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.
Display family heirlooms or tchotchkes that represent each ancestor. — Clare Marie Schneider, NPR, 10 Oct. 2026 Some of Phini’s past projects include separating a wedding dress into a top and skirt, turning a pair of jeans into a bag, and dyeing or altering family heirlooms. — Bella Webb, Vogue, 8 Oct. 2026 Out back, five landscaped garden rooms are home to mature heirloom camellias, citrus and pomegranate trees, and other flora. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 6 Oct. 2026 Not single pieces of treasured family heirlooms, or even a single chair — entire suites of furniture! — Carolyn Hax, Washington Post, 3 Oct. 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

Rhymes for heirloom

See All Rhymes for heirloom

Browse Nearby Words

heirless
heirloom
heirmos
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Heirloom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heirloom. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on heirloom

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for heirloom

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about heirloom

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