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

Last year, Paws Up partnered with Made In Cookware to give guests custom copper heirloom pans. —Wendy O'Dea, Robb Report, 28 Dec. 2025

Amazon has launched a massive after-Christmas sale, including 59% off this heirloom-worthy Staub Dutch oven. —Paige Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2025

Leia has become a family heirloom, and not just for my family. —Grace Gavilanes, PEOPLE, 27 Dec. 2025

Loading your cherished heirloom dishes onto the bottom rack can damage them. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 25 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