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

At the Rosemead temple, the teeth and finger bone relics are significantly larger than those in the average human body. —ABC News, 1 Mar. 2026

Rosemead’s Wei Mountain Temple displays thousands of relics purportedly from the Buddha, including bones and teeth followers believe multiply and possess healing powers. —Deepa Bharath, Los Angeles Times, 1 Mar. 2026

The top floor will also feature restaurant space and a wraparound rooftop patio with views of downtown, the mountains, and Coors Field, transforming the boarded‑up relic into a neighborhood hub for dining, nightlife and lodging. —Jessica Alvarado Gamez, Denver Post, 1 Mar. 2026

Several wrecks and relics have been found in the region in recent years. —CBS News, 18 Feb. 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