heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm 

1

: something of special value handed down from one generation to another

The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.

2

: a variety of plant that has originated under cultivation and that has survived for several generations usually due to the efforts of private individuals

heirloom tomatoes

3

: a piece of property (such as a deed or charter) that descends to the heir as an inseparable part of an inheritance of real property

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Home gardening offers access to unique heirloom varieties and fresh produce not available in stores. —Natalia Gonzalez Blanco Serrano, The Spruce, 9 May 2026

Zero George doesn’t clobber you over the head with history (no 19th-century portraits, chunky mahogany heirlooms, or oriental rugs). —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 May 2026

Like Faberge eggs seeking their level, the country’s heirlooms have clumped up in certain locations. —John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 7 May 2026

Flavorful heirloom tomatoes don't need much adornment to shine. —Mary Shannon Wells, Southern Living, 7 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ayre lome, heyr lome, from ayre, heyr heir entry 1 + lome "implement" — more at loom entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Rhymes for heirloom

• assume
• backroom
• ballroom
• barroom
• bathroom
• bedroom
• boardroom
• bridegroom
• classroom
• cloakroom
• consume
• costume

Kids Definition

heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm 

ˈe(ə)r-

: a piece of personal property handed down from generation to generation