heirloom
AIR-loom
/ˈerluːm/
A plant variety that has been passed down through several generations of a family or community.
Heirlooms are open-pollinated, meaning they grow 'true to seed' (the offspring looks like the parent), unlike modern hybrid seeds.
The story behind the word. Originally, an 'heirloom' was a piece of personal property—like a 'loom' for weaving—that was so valuable it stayed with the family 'heir'. In the 20th century, gardeners began using it to describe seeds that were just as precious as family furniture.
Word relationships
- heritage: Heritage is often used interchangeably, though 'heirloom' is more common in the US and 'heritage' in the UK.
- hybrid: Hybrid seeds are cross-bred for specific traits and usually don't produce the same plant if you save the seeds.
Commonly confused with
- GMO: GMOs are genetically engineered in a lab; heirlooms are naturally selected over generations.
Collocations
- heirloom tomato
- heirloom seeds
- heirloom variety
Example sentences
- "An heirloom plant is an open-pollinated cultivar that was commonly grown during earlier periods in human history." The definition of an heirloom cultivar.
Memory hook
It's an 'heir' (someone who inherits) + 'loom' (a tool). It's a tool for growing food inherited from your ancestors. Heirloom = Inherited seeds.
When not to use
Don't use it for any old seed; it usually implies a variety that is at least 50 years old and has a history.
Fun facts
- Heirloom tomatoes come in wild colors like purple, striped green, and almost black, because they haven't been bred for the uniform red of supermarkets.
Related words
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