Definition

A valuable item or possession that is passed down from one generation to another in a family.

Example

The necklace she wore was a family heirloom that had been in her family for over a century.

Conversation

I just received an old watch from my grandmother, and it's such a beautiful heirloom.

Wow, that's amazing! Those kinds of items have so much history behind them.

I know, right? It's like carrying a piece of my family’s story with me.

Definitely! You should take good care of that heirloom.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Heirloom → It is formed from "heir" (from Old French *eir*, meaning one who inherits) and "loom" (from Old English *loma*, meaning a tool or implement). An heirloom is a valuable object that is passed down through generations, signifying inheritance.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'inherits' ('heir') a special 'tool' or 'object' ('loom') that has been passed down, which helps you remember that an heirloom is something valuable passed through generations.

Visually Confused Words