Search Dictionary
Definition of heritage

heritage

/ˈhɛr.ɪ.tɪdʒ/
her · i · tage
Plural:heritages
JUMP TO:

heritage Lexical Profile

heritage Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Valued traditions, customs, qualities, and cultural achievements that belong to a society or group and have been passed down from previous generations.

Example

"The annual festival celebrates the rich musical and culinary heritage of the region."

2

Historic buildings, monuments, artifacts, and natural environments considered worthy of preservation for future generations.

Example

"The ancient cathedral and its surrounding gardens are protected as part of the nation's architectural heritage."

3

Property, rights, or a congenital condition that is or may be inherited; an allotted portion or birthright.

Example

"Hospitality and a deep respect for the land were the proud birthright and heritage of the family."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for heritage

Word Nuance & Usage

'Heritage' typically refers to intangible cultural traditions, historical buildings, or collective identity passed down across generations, whereas 'inheritance' usually denotes tangible property, money, or genetic traits received directly from an ancestor.

• Nearby Words

hereunto
herewith
heritable
heritage
hermann tortoise
hermannia
hermaphrodite

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French 'eritage' (meaning property passed down to an heir), which derives from Late Latin 'hereditare' (to inherit) and Classical Latin 'heres' (heir).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Heritage. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/heritage
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.