heritage

American  

[her-i-tij] / ˈhɛr ɪ tɪdʒ /

noun

• heritages
  plural

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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Synonym Usage

See inheritance.

Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• heritages
  plural

Etymology

Origin of heritage

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

See Examples For:

heritage heritages

Like other long-established European carmakers, Stellantis, which owns Citroën, is leaning in to its 20th century heritage in response to the wave of 21st century startups from China.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 13, 2026

McDermott indicated that he was keen to use heritage players - those who qualify for England through family background - to ensure the strongest possible squad.

From BBC ● Oct. 13, 2026

We first need to establish some criteria - history, heritage, fanbase, stadium.

From BBC ● Oct. 10, 2026

Vaccarello began the difficult task of replacing France's Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent in 2016, taking several seasons to identify a fresh look for the brand while also respecting its illustrious heritage.

From Barron's ● Oct. 9, 2026

Many parents liked what they saw in their children: the discipline, physical fitness, diligence, pursuit of excellence, pride in national heritage, and a sense of purpose.

From "Hitler Youth: Growing Up in Hitler's Shadow" by Susan Campbell Bartoletti

The stockpile, which has since risen in value, adds Wyoming to a growing cohort of states, including some with mining heritages, looking to add precious metal to their investment portfolios.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 17, 2026

It was one of the artefacts that launched an online campaign to highlight women's roles in pre-colonial communities - and revive cultural heritages almost erased by colonialism.

From BBC ● Jun. 7, 2025

“Only in America,” Harris said, was it possible for two people of such different backgrounds and heritages to join together to make it “all the way” to the White House.

From Slate ● Aug. 7, 2024

Even the Moscow Art Theatre, from which Chekhov’s plays emerged, has recognized that heritages need to be reinvented.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2024

Syphilis, itself, and the underpower bodies of tuberculosis are heritages of many.

From Applied Psychology for Nurses by Mary F. Porter

Related Words

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