relic

noun

rel·​ic ˈre-lik 

1

a

: an object esteemed and venerated because of association with a saint or martyr

b

: souvenir, memento

2

relics plural : remains, corpse

3

: a survivor or remnant left after decay, disintegration, or disappearance

4

: a trace of some past or outmoded practice, custom, or belief

Synonyms

• echo
• ghost
• shadow
• trace
• vestige

Examples of relic in a Sentence

a crude stone ax and other relics of the Neanderthals

in my grandparents' attic are many “groovy” relics from the 1960s

Recent Examples on the Web

But for the younger generation, Mr. Simpson was notorious in name only — a relic from their parents’ time. —Corina Knoll, New York Times, 9 June 2024

The decision negates a relic of British colonial rule. —Cameron Pugh, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2024

Centuries later, during the 18th and 19th centuries, archaeology expanded into a budding field of science as relics of the Stone Age, Bronze Age, and Iron Age were discovered. —Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2024

As a relic of an older era of travel, the Bou el Mogdad had been a part-luxurious, part-sentimental journey along this river. —J.r. Patterson, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Dec. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Middle English relik, from Anglo-French relike, from Medieval Latin reliquia, from Late Latin reliquiae, plural, remains of a martyr, from Latin, remains, from relinquere to leave behind — more at relinquish

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing relic

• relic of the past

Kids Definition

relic

noun

rel·​ic ˈrel-ik 

1

: an object treated with great respect because of its connection with a saint or martyr

2

: something left behind after decay or disappearance

relics of ancient cities