heirloom

[air-loom]

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.

adjective

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

   heirloom vegetables and fruits.

heirloom

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heirloom¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of heirloom¹

C15: from _heir + lome tool; see _loom ¹

Example Sentences

The parcel held her wedding dress, which had also been worn by her mother, an heirloom sari from her grandmother and wedding photos, among other items.

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Tseytlin spent most of the summer tending to customers who—spurred by gold’s historic run—wanted to turn family heirlooms or coins into cash.

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The orchard’s 16 heirloom varieties, older cultivars passed down by generations of farmers, are fenced to keep out the crowd.

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Some students researched the stories and even heirlooms of families who had lost their homes.

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Ms Davies, her husband Lance Hodgson and Juno recently appeared on BBC show The Travelling Auctioneers, selling unwanted collectibles and heirlooms, to pay for her treatment.

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Related Words

• antique