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

Its wide, full tips are also crush-resistant and molded after real tree branches to give it an authentic appearance, and there are more than 4,000 of them to give you plenty of room to add all of your favorite heirloom ornaments to your tree. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2025

Renowned interior designer Amber Lewis’s laidback, heirloom-quality furniture is on sale for up to 40% off. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 1 Dec. 2025

These heirloom-quality cast-iron pans are smooth and lightweight, heating up and cooling down faster than your typical Lodge. —Emily Farris, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Dec. 2025

All the furniture pieces in your bedroom don’t have to be the same finish or style, instead consider using antiques or family heirloom pieces for an asymmetrical look and embracing imperfection. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 1 Dec. 2025

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