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

• artifact
• trace
• remnant
• vestige
• ghost
• reminder
• echo
• shadow

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

The SaaS model, once revolutionary, is now a relic. —Deepinder Singh Sethi, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025

Her job was, in her estimation, a relic of a different time — the business no longer relies on broadcast network casting directors to discover talent through global searches and talent holding deals. —Lacey Rose, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025

Another internment site was a cremation vessel that held the remains of three people, two large knives and several other relics associated with central Mexico. —Kerry Breen july 10, CBS News, 10 July 2025

Through the renovation process, many old relics were found in the walls and attic. —Mykal McEldowney, IndyStar, 10 July 2025

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

Rhymes for relic

• telic
• allelic
• angelic
• philatelic
• psychedelic

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