heritage
noun
her·i·tage
ˈher-ə-tij 
ˈhe-rə-
1
: property that descends to an heir
2
a
: something transmitted by or acquired from a predecessor : legacy, inheritance
proud of her Chinese heritage
a rich heritage of folklore
The battlefields are part of our heritage and should be preserved.
b
: tradition
the party's heritage of secularism
3
: something possessed as a result of one's natural situation or birth : birthright
the heritage of natural freedom was long since cast away—
V. L. Parrington
V. L. ParringtonExamples of heritage in a Sentence
hospitality is a cherished Southern heritage
this farm is my heritage from my father, as it was for him from his father
Recent Examples on the Web
Gunn has described his take as less of an origin story and more of a journey, with Superman (David Corenswet) struggling to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage and aristocratic origins with his small-town adoptive human family.
—ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
In their fall 2026 collections overall, exhibitors drew on their heritage, revisiting signature fibers, legacy patterns and traditional weaving techniques, spotlighting the centrality of natural materials.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 11 July 2025
The result is thoughtful design vibrant cultural landscape that preserves and celebrates local heritage.
—Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Her interest intensified during her undergrad years at Tulane University in New Orleans — where she was captivated by the city’s rich culinary heritage and historic restaurant scene.
—Joanne Fowler, People.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for heritage
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025
In their fall 2026 collections overall, exhibitors drew on their heritage, revisiting signature fibers, legacy patterns and traditional weaving techniques, spotlighting the centrality of natural materials.
—Andrea Onate, Footwear News, 11 July 2025
The result is thoughtful design vibrant cultural landscape that preserves and celebrates local heritage.
—Rowan Briggs, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
Her interest intensified during her undergrad years at Tulane University in New Orleans — where she was captivated by the city’s rich culinary heritage and historic restaurant scene.
—Joanne Fowler, People.com, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for heritage
Cite this Entry
“Heritage.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/heritage. Accessed 21 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
heritage
noun
her·i·tage
ˈher-ət-ij
1
: property that is handed down to an heir
2
: something acquired from the past
a rich heritage of folklore
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share