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 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

The remnants of the structure can best be seen from the Bridge of Angels, which leads to Castel Sant’ Angelo near Vatican City. — Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 14 Aug. 2026

Archaeologists have uncovered tombs, theaters, baths, stadiums, and other remnants of the city, which was inhabited for more than 1,000 years. — Brittany Anas, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2026

Adjective

Wildlife managers used a few remnant populations in the state as the source to start local populations elsewhere. — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026

Arrive early to hike trails through remnant prairie and have a pre-show picnic, then watch an alfresco performance as dusk falls. — Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 10 June 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