heirloom

noun

heir·loom ˈer-ˌlüm

Synonyms of heirloom

: something of special value handed down from one generation to another

The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.

: 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

: 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.

Order the crudo, a cheeseboard to share, the heirloom melon and prosciutto salad, and chicken entrée, along with a bottle of wine to bring back to your tent. — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 Sep. 2026 Below, learn more about Princess Margaret’s unique engagement ring, her relationship with Antony, and the personal meaning behind her granddaughter’s choice to wear the heirloom. — Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 1 Sep. 2026 Opening weekends and peak summer draw the largest crowds and the widest selection, and shoppers who show up early get first pick of limited-quantity items like heirloom tomatoes, specialty greens and berries. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 1 Sep. 2026 Juicy heirloom tomatoes, garlic, briny olives, bright vinegar, and fresh herbs come together in a delicious, zesty sauce. — Maddy Bendgen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Aug. 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

See more words from the same century

Browse Nearby Words

heirless

heirloom

heirmos

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Heirloom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heirloom. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

heirloom

noun

heir·loom ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm

ˈe(ə)r-

: a piece of personal property handed down from generation to generation

heirloom

noun

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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heirloom

noun

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for heirloom

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