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.
Drawing upon classic English country house motifs, her own family memories, and the blazing colors of New England fall, the star designer has conjured a series of instant heirlooms. — Sam Cochran, Architectural Digest, 27 Oct. 2026 The designer also has a knack for giving his pristine clothes an heirloom quality, as much as they are rooted in the here and now. — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2026 The Princess of Wales wore a bright yellow Elie Saab gown, along with the Queen Mary Lover’s Knot Tiara and heirloom jewelry from Queen Elizabeth’s collection. — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 25 Oct. 2026 On Camilla's wrists were two more impressive heirloom jewels, namely two art deco Cartier bracelets that previously belonged to the Queen Mother. — Stephanie Bridger-Linning, Vanity Fair, 25 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 28 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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