An heirloom is an ornament or other object that has belonged to a family for a very long time and that has beenhanded down from one generation to another.
heirloom in British English
(ˈɛəˌluːm)
noun
1.
an object that has been in a family for generations
2. property law
a chattel inherited by special custom or in accordance with the terms of a will
Word origin
C15: from heir + lome tool; see loom1
heirloom in American English
(ˈɛrˌlum)
noun
1.
a piece of personal property that goes to an heir along with an estate
2.
any treasured possession handed down from generation to generation
Word origin
ME heir lome: see heir & loom2
Examples of 'heirloom' in a sentence
heirloom
My grandchildren have expressed an interest so maybe it could become a family heirloom.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
It's set around a courtyard and a garden full of heirloom tomatoes and fragrant herbs.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It's become a family heirloom.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
British strawberries are at their best in September and our heirloom tomatoes are still great in October.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
He said he had cried watching Antiques Roadshow when some family heirloom was found to be worth thousands.