heirloom
/ˈɛr.lum/
a valuable object passed down through generations
She cherished the heirloom necklace her grandmother gave her.
The necklace is a family treasure passed down through generations.
formal
an object of value, such as jewelry or furniture, that is passed down through generations of a family
The antique clock is an heirloom in our family.
The clock has been handed down for many generations.
Often associated with sentimental or historical significance.
Collocations
family heirlooman object passed down within a familypass down an heirloomto give an heirloom to the next generation
Pro Tip
Sentimental Value
Heirlooms often carry emotional significance beyond their monetary worth.
Gold Rule
Respect the Tradition
Heirlooms are meant to be preserved and passed down carefully.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'hairloom' (1300–50), from 'hair' (heir) + 'lome' (belonging to).
Usage Notes
Often used to describe items with sentimental or historical value.
Word Breakdown
heir
a person who inherits
root-loom
belonging to
suffixEnglish Dictionary