heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm How to pronounce heirloom (audio)
Synonyms of heirloom
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Embrace Heirloom Plants Lowrie says Terrain customers have increasingly embraced heirloom plant varieties with long-flowering traits. Patricia Shannon, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 July 2026 Seriously, what is better than fresh heirloom tomato and mozzarella salad or a juicy tomato sandwich slathered in Duke's? Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 2 July 2026 Camilla wore a 99-year-old heirloom piece that once belonged to Queen Elizabeth called the Diamond Thistle Brooch for the occasion. Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 2 July 2026 Delaney said some local rancher friends donated a few hundred feathers to her from their flock of heirloom turkeys. Regina Elling, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for heirloom

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of heirloom was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heirloom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heirloom. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

heirloom

noun
heir·​loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm How to pronounce heirloom (audio)
ˈe(ə)r-
: a piece of personal property handed down from generation to generation
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster