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

Fighting for the Good McNair’s home is stuffed with family heirlooms, with images of Black life captured by her father, a photographer and later a state legislator and county commissioner. —John Archibald, Southern Living, 16 Mar. 2026

Some may prioritize speed, while others want reassurance that valuable heirlooms or delicate items will be handled carefully. —Connie Etemadi, USA Today, 12 Mar. 2026

Treat wedding shoes like occasion wear, not heirlooms, Spektor says. —Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026

The Rousseaus furnished the property with their own artwork, antiques, heirloom porcelain, and glassware. —Elizabeth Cantrell, Travel + Leisure, 10 Mar. 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