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

And, perhaps most bafflingly, X-ray measurements sometimes imply the shocks are too weak to accelerate electrons at all, seemingly contradicting the very existence of radio relics. —Sharmila Kuthunur, Space.com, 21 Nov. 2025

The primary function of the figures was to protect and act as guardians for the ancestry relics housed in the containers below them. —James Russell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Nov. 2025

Numerous upperclassmen of a certain 1980s nostalgic persuasion communicated to me that this relic of popular culture was required viewing for KU students. —Literary Hub, 17 Nov. 2025

This section sees Samus arriving at a Galactic Federation station to help combat an invasion of pirates led by Sylux, who is seeking a mysterious relic. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 14 Nov. 2025

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