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

Even though they have been domesticated, many canines still carry remnants of the hunting behavior of wolves. —Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Dec. 2025

The former royal site of Oudong offers serene temples, historical remnants and sweeping views — yet the Cambodian attraction remains largely overlooked by global travelers. —Daniel Wine, CNN Money, 3 Dec. 2025

Adjective

It is forecast to head northwest toward Taiwan, expected to make landfall over western Taiwan on Thursday before rapidly weakening over the Taiwan landmass and emerging near the Ryukyu Islands as a remnant low or weak tropical depression. —Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Nov. 2025

Swanson Beard noted that the entire first collection used all remnant fabrics from companies such as Ralph Lauren and Loro Piana. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2025

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