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

• 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

The woman was motivated to return the item after hearing of other recent incidents in which relics had been returned to Greece from Germany, according to the announcement. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 18 Oct. 2025

In an interview with The Sacramento Bee, Coleman talked about how the home embodies rare architectural elements, conceals a time capsule, showcases Hollywood relics and captures riverfront glamour. —David Caraccio, Sacbee.com, 17 Oct. 2025

Beyond the freezer, archaeologists also discovered an important relic that speaks to the era’s cultural structure and religious beliefs. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 16 Oct. 2025

The canopy bed was a relic reserved for The Met’s Decorative Arts exhibits. —Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 15 Oct. 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