heirloom

noun

heir·​loom ˈer-ˌlüm How to pronounce heirloom (audio)
1
: 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
2
: something of special value handed down from one generation to another
The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.
3
: 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

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.
Each handwoven textile – which takes several months to be completed – is a kind of heirloom whose motifs tell a story that is passed on from one generation to the next. Anne Pinto-Rodrigues, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 Mar. 2025 Danson plays Charles, a widower who goes undercover to find a missing heirloom in a retirement community. Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2025 The ring, a cherished heirloom from Faludi's great-grandmother, was given to Tom by her mother, making the engagement even more sentimental. Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025 Kim Kardashian was turned down when attempting to purchase a family heirloom. Liza Esquibias, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025 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 1

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 24 Mar. 2025.

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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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