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

His grandmother’s heirloom now hangs in his TV room, and others can be found throughout his home. —Ryan Conner, Dallas Morning News, 26 Jan. 2026

The necklace is still worn today by the Monegasque royal family, including Grace’s granddaughter Charlotte Casiraghi, who wore the heirloom piece on her own wedding day in 2019. —Rachel Garrahan, Vogue, 22 Jan. 2026

Bespoke kilt maker Andrea Chappell of Acme Atelier in Moray makes modern heirlooms with deadstock fabrics, using a traditional hand-stitching method now listed as an endangered craft. —Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Jan. 2026

An heirloom is something that carries memory. —Okla Jones, Essence, 21 Jan. 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