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.
At my daughter’s wedding last fall, several heirlooms made an appearance. Marni Jameson, Oc Register, 28 May 2025 Carter Design creates a meditative place for family heirlooms and the surrounding landscapes to shine By Will SperosPhotography by Chris Mottalini May 26, 2025 All products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors. Will Speros, Architectural Digest, 26 May 2025 Corbin Schulz is the farm director for Seed Savers Exchange, a nonprofit organization that has been promoting and preserving heirloom seeds for 50 years. Viveka Neveln, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 May 2025 Fearless and original, Wolf offers everything from one-of-a-kind high jewelry pieces to fine jewelry that’s destined to morph into heirlooms. Kyle Roderick, Forbes.com, 22 May 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 3 Jun. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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