heritage

American  

[her-i-tij] / ˈhɛr ɪ tɪdʒ /

noun

1. something that is handed down from the past, as a tradition.

   a national heritage of honor, pride, and courage.

2. something that comes or belongs to one by reason of birth; an inherited lot or portion.

   a heritage of poverty and suffering.

   Synonyms:

   patrimony, estate

3. something reserved for one.

   the heritage of the righteous.

4. Law.

   1. something that has been or may be inherited by legal descent or succession.

   2. any property, especially land, that devolves by right of inheritance.

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adjective

1. noting or relating to a product, place, etc., that evokes a nostalgic sense of tradition or history.

   visitors to a heritage site in the Middle East.

2. noting or relating to an older, traditional breed of animal or plant.

   raising pure-breed heritage hogs.

heritage British  

/ ˈhɛrɪtɪdʒ /

noun

1. something inherited at birth, such as personal characteristics, status, and possessions

2. anything that has been transmitted from the past or handed down by tradition

3. 1. the evidence of the past, such as historical sites, buildings, and the unspoilt natural environment, considered collectively as the inheritance of present-day society

   2. ( as modifier; cap. as part of name )

      Bannockburn Heritage Centre

4. something that is reserved for a particular person or group or the outcome of an action, way of life, etc

   the sea was their heritage

   the heritage of violence

5. law any property, esp land, that by law has descended or may descend to an heir

6. Bible

   1. the Israelites regarded as belonging inalienably to God

   2. the land of Canaan regarded as God's gift to the Israelites

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Related Words

See inheritance.

Etymology

Origin of heritage

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English, from Middle French, from herit(er) “to inherit” + -age -age; heir

Explanation

Heritage can refer to practices or characteristics that are passed down through the years, from one generation to the next. Researching your family tree would help you gain a sense of your personal heritage. Heritage is often used to discuss a cultural aspect or tradition that has been passed down through generations. For example, one might speak of an area’s "rich musical heritage.” Heritage can also refer to a person's ethnic or cultural background. In a legal sense, heritage is property that you inherit, like a silver teapot your great aunt Sally left to you.

Example Sentences

The book explores the joy of food, friendship, cultural identity and heritage.

From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026

With a Colombian mom, she is readily attuned to Dudamel’s Venezuelan heritage.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026

I’m a heritage or vestigial Catholic, at best.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

But what is Burslem, renowned for its rich pottery heritage, like?

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

That day there was an Italian heritage parade, so the square and streets were filled with people.

From "Book Scavenger" by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman

Related Words

• ancestry
• culture
• custom
• legacy
• right
• tradition