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

And unlike delicate heirloom sets, it’s made of durable stoneware that’s dishwasher safe, microwave safe, and oven safe up to 350°F. —Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2026

So hold off on those out-of-season heirloom tomatoes. —Carolynn Carreño, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

Floor plans for the apartment show a large bedroom at the back of the space, which the show envisions as an office where Kennedy works at a desk that might have been a family heirloom. —Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 27 Feb. 2026

These heirloom-quality selections can accompany life's milestones and ordinary moments. —Malana Vantayler, USA Today, 27 Feb. 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