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

Was it an heirloom or an antique, I wondered.

From BBC

We never had a family heirloom type of piece; my mother didn’t pass me down any, my grandmother didn’t have any.

From Los Angeles Times

As a lifelong Altadenan, Swayne regularly bears witness to the unimaginable devastation across his community, and understands how painful the loss of homes, businesses, prized possessions and family heirlooms can be.

From Los Angeles Times

But for more people every year, it also means spending $7.50 and a few hours on a bag of Rancho Gordo dried heirlooms and turning a bunch of pebbles into dinner.

From The Wall Street Journal

I hear a cello, and soon musician David Low stands before me, recounting the day the flames began and the rush to remove his young son from school to help rescue a smattering of heirlooms.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antique