1
2
: something of special value handed down from one generation to another
The pin she's wearing is a family heirloom.
3
: a variety of plant that has originated under cultivation and that has survived for several generations usually due to the efforts of private individuals
heirloom tomatoes
Examples of heirloom in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The first course, a chilled heirloom tomato soup with sourdough crisps and arbequina olive oil is shown by White House Executive Chef Cris Comerford during a media preview, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, ahead of State Dinner with Kenya's President William Ruto, at the White House.
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Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 23 May 2024
The Gullah are known for creating heirloom fishing nets, baskets, and quilts.
—Kiratiana Freelon, Parents, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for heirloom 
Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 23 May 2024
The Gullah are known for creating heirloom fishing nets, baskets, and quilts.
—Kiratiana Freelon, Parents, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for heirloom
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'heirloom.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near heirloom
Cite this Entry
“Heirloom.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heirloom. Accessed 29 May. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
heirloom
noun
heir·loom
ˈa(ə)r-ˌlüm 
ˈe(ə)r-
: a piece of personal property handed down from generation to generation
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