Word
heirloom
Phoneticsheir·loom, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɛɹˌɫum/
UK/ˈeəluːm/
Definitions
01inherited object
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a valuable object that has belonged to a family for several generations.
n. A piece of personal property that has been in a family for several generations, often carrying significant sentimental or financial value.
“This gold watch is a family heirloom that belonged to my great-grandfather.”
“The diamond brooch was considered the family's most precious heirloom, having survived three international moves and several economic depressions.”
Usage
Commonly used in the phrase 'family heirloom'.
Synonyms
02traditional plant variety
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Science Technical
n. a type of vegetable or flower that has been grown for many years from the same seeds, rather than being a modern hybrid.
n. A traditional variety of a plant or fruit that is not used in modern large-scale agriculture and is grown from seeds passed down through generations.
“She prefers growing heirloom tomatoes because they have much more flavour than the ones in the supermarket.”
“The community garden focuses on preserving heirloom varieties of corn that were originally cultivated by indigenous farmers in the region.”
Usage
Often used as a noun adjunct, as in 'heirloom seeds' or 'heirloom vegetables'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Some practices were lost; others "survived in fragments" - in the memories of elders, in family heirlooms.” “While Eric Eakin may beg to differ, a bedpan is not usually a family heirloom.” “Although his goodbye letter wasn’t needed, it remained a family heirloom of sorts.” Etymology
Inherited from Middle English heirlome (“heirloom”, literally “a tool or article passed to one's heirs”). By surface analysis, heir + loom. Displaced native Old English fæderġestrēon.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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