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

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.

From BBC

Det Con Jamie White said the monetary value of the theft was "enormous" but "the sentimental value was priceless" as some of the accessories were treasured family heirlooms.

From BBC

Pacing across his workshop, Moore rattled off the names of clients with heirlooms in his queue, smiling as he spoke about one woman who brought in her childhood sewing machine for restoration.

From Los Angeles Times

But an unblemished, unbruised tomato that’s vibrant in color, firm in texture and brimming with juice — much like the heirloom tomato meme — is certainly both a luxury and a rarity.

From Salon

“Everything we owned and, worse, family heirlooms of our customers are gone. It’s unthinkable.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• antique