heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm 

1

: 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

2

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

The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.

3

: 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

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The burglars used my pillowcases to haul off heirloom jewelry. —Jennifer Jolly, USA Today, 14 Sep. 2025

The heirloom varieties at 3 Porch Farm range from ones with more traditional petals to those that look like fireworks, all in a vibrant rainbow of solid and ombré hues. —Cameron Beall, Southern Living, 13 Sep. 2025

Some of the most extraordinary heirlooms to try include 'Heather James', 'Moira', and 'Gertrude'. —Mike Irvine, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Sep. 2025

The French ticking stripe in navy blue gives it an heirloom touch that doesn’t always translate with the modern stripe patterns. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 11 Sep. 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 1

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