Heirloom Meaning in English

word

US

ˈɛɹˌɫum

AIR-loom

UK

ˈeəluːm

AIR-loom

Definition

An heirloom is a valuable object that has been passed down through generations of a family, often with sentimental or historical importance.

Usage & Nuances

Usually refers to tangible objects like jewelry, furniture, or photographs. It’s mildly formal; not used for money or real estate. Common collocations: 'family heirloom', 'prized heirloom'. Can also refer metaphorically to traditions or skills, though this is less common.

• Spanish: reliquia familiar - herencia (objeto)
• Portuguese (BR): relíquia de família
• Portuguese (PT): relíquia de família
• Chinese (Simplified): 传家宝
• Chinese (Traditional): 傳家寶
• Hindi: परिवार की विरासत - पुश्तैनी वस्तु
• Arabic: إرث عائلي - تذكار عائلي
• Bengali: উত্তরাধিকারী বস্তু - পারিবারিক ধন
• Russian: реликвия - семейная реликвия
• Japanese: 家宝
• Vietnamese: vật gia truyền
• Korean: 가보
• Turkish: aile yadigarı
• Urdu: وراثتی قیمتی چیز
• Indonesian: pusaka - barang warisan

Example Sentences

This ring is a family heirloom.

basic

My grandmother gave me an heirloom from her wedding.

basic

The old clock in the hallway is an heirloom.

basic

This quilt has been an heirloom in our family for generations.

natural

I feel lucky to own such a beautiful heirloom.

natural

He showed us an heirloom watch from the early 1900s.

natural