Definition

1. Noun:
   • A valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations: An "heirloom" is a possession, often of sentimental or monetary value, passed down from one generation to the next within a family.
   • (Law) Property considered inseparable from an inheritance: In legal contexts, an "heirloom" refers to personal property that, by custom or law, must pass to the heir along with the real estate or main inheritance.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • This silver pocket watch is a family heirloom from my great-grandfather.
  • The law stipulated that the ancient manuscripts were considered an heirloom and must be inherited with the estate.

Advanced Usage

• "Heirloom quality": Used to describe an object made with such craftsmanship and durability that it is intended to become a future heirloom.
  • The jeweler specializes in creating heirloom-quality engagement rings.
• "Heirloom variety": In gardening and agriculture, this refers to a traditional cultivar of a plant that is open-pollinated and has been cultivated for generations, not a modern hybrid.
  • We grow heirloom tomatoes that have been in our family for over fifty years.

Variants and Related Words

• Heirloomed (adj., rare): Describing something that has the status or characteristics of an heirloom.
  • The heirloomed jewels were kept in a vault.
• Heir (n): A person legally entitled to the property or rank of another upon that person's death.
• Inheritance (n): The act of receiving property, a title, etc., by legal succession or will upon the death of the previous holder.

Synonyms

• Legacy: Something handed down from an ancestor or predecessor.
• Antique: An old collectible item, often valued for its age, though not necessarily passed through a family.
• Family treasure: An item of great value, especially sentimental value, to a family.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To pass down like an heirloom": To be transmitted through generations in a manner similar to a treasured family object.
  • The recipe for this sauce has been passed down like an heirloom.
• "More than just an heirloom": Used to emphasize that an object carries deep sentimental or historical significance beyond its material value.
  • This quilt is more than just an heirloom; it tells the story of our family's journey.

Noun

1. something that has been in a family for generations
2. (law) any property that is considered by law or custom as inseparable from an inheritance is inherited with that inheritance