heirloom

[ˈeəluːm]

heirloom Definition

• 1. a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations
• 2. a variety of plant that has been passed down from generation to generation within a family or community, especially one that is old-fashioned and not used in modern agriculture

Using heirloom: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "heirloom" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The diamond necklace was a family heirloom.

• Example

  This quilt is an heirloom that my great-grandmother made.

• Example

  The tomato seeds are an heirloom variety that has been grown in this region for over a century.

heirloom Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for heirloom

• antique
• relic
• treasure
• keepsake
• memento

Phrases with heirloom

• heirloom jewelry

  jewelry that has been passed down through a family for several generations

  Example

  She wore her grandmother's heirloom jewelry on her wedding day.

• heirloom plant

  a plant variety that has been passed down from generation to generation within a family or community, especially one that is old-fashioned and not used in modern agriculture

  Example

  The farm specializes in growing heirloom tomatoes.

• heirloom recipe

  a recipe that has been passed down through a family for several generations

  Example

  This apple pie recipe is an heirloom from my great-grandmother.

Origins of heirloom

from 'heir' + 'loam', meaning a piece of land that is inherited

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Summary: heirloom in Brief

An 'heirloom' [ˈeəluːm] is a valuable object or plant variety that has been passed down from generation to generation within a family or community. It can be a piece of jewelry, a quilt, or a tomato seed variety. The term comes from 'heir' and 'loam,' meaning a piece of land that is inherited.