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

Without a mentor to guide him, Aang spends his spare time hunting for Air Nomad relics in an attempt to connect with his ancestry. — Alison Herman, Variety, 24 July 2026

There are also permanent upgrades to health and attack power, as well as rare relics that enable unique skills, like the ability to make multiple jumps. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 23 July 2026

The upcoming release of 2026 Topps Chrome Baseball will feature Back-to-Back Gold Logoman patch autographed one-of-a-kind cards of Ohtani and Judge, taking those relics from jerseys worn in each of their 2024 and 2025 MVP seasons. — Larry Holder, New York Times, 21 July 2026

Common areas offer barbecue grill, picnic tables, Adirondack chairs, and Route 66 relics. — Joe Yogerst, Forbes.com, 21 July 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