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

Metal-poor stars are often associated with ancient dwarf galaxies, which the Milky Way might have consumed over time to grow to its current massive state — and remnants of these cosmic meals might be hiding deep within the galaxy. —Ashley Strickland, CNN Money, 23 May 2026

More specifically, scientists led by Hiroko Miyahara of the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Solar–Terrestrial Environment and Climate Unit in Japan have found remnants of a dramatic solar proton event in tree rings dating back 825 years. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 22 May 2026

Adjective

Psyche’s magnetometer may have detected a signature of the solar wind interacting with Mars’ upper atmosphere or its remnant magnetic field, and its spectrometers were tuned to measure the chemical composition of the Martian surface underneath the spacecraft’s flight path. —Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 20 May 2026

Eventually, the Wolf-Rayet star and its stellar remnant companion will merge to launch an LFBOT. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 8 May 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