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

La Familia imports and mills heirloom corn varieties from Mexico. —Sean Timberlake, Sacbee.com, 20 Dec. 2025

Garrard said the premium denim sold at Junkyard Jeans could also become a family heirloom in the future. —Idaho Statesman, 20 Dec. 2025

Expect more high fashion, plenty of symbolism, and the heirloom jewels to match. —Emily Chan, Vogue, 20 Dec. 2025

Besides the heirloom-quality construction, the Dutch oven also comes with a lid designed with condensation bumps to seal in moisture and make food deliciously tender. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 20 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