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 used in plural

2

: an unsold or unused end of piece goods

remnant

2 of 2

adjective

: still remaining

Synonyms

Noun

• balance
• leavings
• leftovers
• odds and ends
• remainder
• remains
• residue
• residuum
• rest

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

The artifacts, dating to the 13th century, are the remnants of one of England’s longest sieges: when Henry III attacked Kenilworth Castle, which was held by rebels. —Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 June 2024

Located in southern Idaho, the preserve is home to the remnants of ancient lava flows. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 6 June 2024

Adjective

Sources said those targeted in the shootings were linked to a remnant cell of the Arellano Félix Organization, or AFO, a cartel that once dominated Tijuana before the group was largely dismantled more than a decade ago by federal authorities in San Diego. —Alex Riggins, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Apr. 2024

She’s also been diagnosed with fibromyalgia — or long-lasting, pervasive pain throughout the body — and ovarian remnant syndrome. —Julia Coin, Charlotte Observer, 8 Mar. 2024

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