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 of relic

• 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

Decades of sidelining this relic have unlocked markets to reward efficiency, innovation and scale — delivering genuine consumer wins at the checkout line. —Stephen Moore, Boston Herald, 24 Apr. 2026

The hotel is preserving relics from his time across the fort. —Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Apr. 2026

The Museum of Pop Culture in Seattle is a time capsule of relics from the 20th and 21st centuries. —Evie Carrick, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2026

While the hour and minute hands are missing, the seconds hand is frozen in time, showing the moment the cold Atlantic Ocean water filled the jewelry item, which is now considered a historic relic. —Gina Kalsi, PEOPLE, 17 Apr. 2026

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