Pronunciation: /ɛrlum/

Definitions of heirloom

noun a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations

Example Sentences

A1 My grandmother gave me a beautiful heirloom necklace.

A2 The heirloom vase has been in our family for generations.

B1 She inherited the heirloom furniture from her great-grandparents.

B2 The heirloom quilt was carefully passed down through the family.

C1 The heirloom watch is a valuable family treasure with sentimental value.

C2 The heirloom painting is a priceless piece of art that has been in the family for centuries.

adjective referring to something passed down through generations within a family

Example Sentences

A1 My grandmother gave me an heirloom necklace that has been in our family for generations.

A2 The heirloom quilt was carefully passed down from mother to daughter in our family.

B1 She proudly displayed her heirloom china dishes in a glass cabinet.

B2 The heirloom clock in the hallway was a valuable antique passed down through the family.

C1 The heirloom furniture in the living room was beautifully crafted and well-preserved.

C2 The heirloom brooch she wore to the gala was a stunning piece of jewelry with a rich history.

Examples of heirloom in a Sentence

formal The family passed down the heirloom jewelry for generations.

informal My grandma gave me this old watch, it's like a family heirloom.

slang I scored this cool heirloom jacket from a thrift store.

figurative The historic building was considered an heirloom of the city.

Grammatical Forms of heirloom

past tense

heirloomed

plural

heirlooms

comparative

more heirloom

superlative

most heirloom

present tense

heirlooms

future tense

will heirloom

perfect tense

have heirloomed

continuous tense

heirlooming

singular

heirloom

positive degree

heirloom

infinitive

to heirloom

gerund

heirlooming

participle

heirloomed

Origin and Evolution of heirloom

First Known Use: 1400 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The word 'heirloom' originates from the Middle English term 'heirlome' which is a combination of 'heir' and 'lome' meaning 'tool'. It referred to personal property passed down from one generation to another.
Evolution of the word: Over time, 'heirloom' came to specifically refer to valuable objects such as jewelry, furniture, or other possessions that are passed down within a family. The term now also carries connotations of sentimental value and tradition.