heirloom

American  

[air-loom] / ˈɛərˌlum /

noun

1. a family possession handed down from generation to generation.

2. Law. property neither personal nor real that descends to the heir of an estate as part of the real property.

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adjective

1. noting or relating to an old plant variety that is being cultivated again.

   heirloom vegetables and fruits.

heirloom British  

/ ˈɛəˌluːm /

noun

1. an object that has been in a family for generations

2. property law a chattel inherited by special custom or in accordance with the terms of a will

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Etymology

Origin of heirloom

First recorded in 1375–1425, heirloom is from the late Middle English word heirlome. See heir, loom ¹

Example Sentences

Glover has said he will take with him a Bible, his wedding rings and family heirlooms, along with a collection of inspirational quotations compiled by Apollo 9 astronaut Rusty Schweickart.

From BBC

As for the tchotchkes, they ran the gamut from tacky souvenir to sentimental heirloom.

From The Wall Street Journal

“I have never desecrated any family heirloom or intruded upon anyone’s private memorial,” she wrote.

From Los Angeles Times

And so they walk away from family heirlooms, basic necessities, and the vital documents required to rebuild their lives.

From Salon

He and Glory gathered around the fire and ate a salad made of heirloom tomatoes and orange blossoms.

From Literature

Related Words

• antique