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.
Like the previous two entries in Denzel’s passion project, this fable of heirlooms, grudges and the need for closure fills in a gap in our nation’s collective narrative. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024 The two had a close relationship, often spending weekends together trying on the heirloom pieces. Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024 That could look like down passing down family recipes or heirlooms, or cultural traditions that could be anything from fishing to dancing to playing a certain sport. Hannah Nwoko, Parents, 20 Nov. 2024 Malcolm Washington's directorial debut stars his brother, John David, as a Mississippi man wanting to sell a musical heirloom to buy the land where his family was enslaved but his estranged sister (Danielle Deadwyler) is intent on keeping it. Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 13 Nov. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near heirloom

Cite this Entry

“Heirloom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heirloom. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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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