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

Among the most distinctive styles—all of which are handmade in France by an Hermès alum—is the Nox clutch, which features a stainless-steel-link strap inspired by a watch bracelet that Chande discovered while sorting through her grandparents’ family heirlooms with her cousins. —Naomi Rougeau, Robb Report, 9 Nov. 2025

Overseas competition has kept prices lower Setting aside high-end woodwork and heirloom craftsmanship, sellers of mass market furniture feel intense pressure to keep prices down. —Alina Selyukh, NPR, 7 Nov. 2025

Other services offered are liftoff and recovery options that are paired with ocean splashdowns in which clients can send memorial capsules into orbit that are then retrieved to be retained as heirlooms and keepsakes. —Jeff Spry, Space.com, 7 Nov. 2025

The place itself, of course, but also artefacts—photographs, diaries, heirlooms. —Literary Hub, 6 Nov. 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