remnant

1 of 2

noun

rem·​nant ˈrem-nənt 

1

a

: a usually small part, member, or trace remaining

b

: a small surviving group

—often plural

2

: an unsold or unused end of piece goods

remnant

2 of 2

adjective

: still remaining

Synonyms of remnant

Noun

• rest
• remainder

Examples of remnant in a Sentence

Noun

Remnants go on sale next week.

sailed home with just a remnant of the colony's original population aboard

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

As Lower Manhattan was engulfed in dust and debris from the remnants of both towers, first responders and survivors were forced to breathe in toxic air. — Angelica Stabile , Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 10 Sep. 2026

And although Pennsylvania is not thought of as a coastal state, it can be significantly impacted by remnants of hurricanes and tropical storms. — Kaleigh Yost, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2026

Adjective

Between remnant systems and tropical storms, at least 50 storms or hurricanes have either affected or moved over California and Arizona. — Doyle Rice, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2026

Friday, the National Hurricane Center released the final advisory for the remnant system. — Miami Herald Hurricane Bot, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English, contraction of remenant, from Anglo-French remanant, from present participle of remaindre to remain — more at remain entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1550, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

remnant

noun

rem·​nant

ˈrem-nənt

1

: a surviving usually small part

remnants of a great civilization

2

: something that remains or is left over

a remnant of cloth