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

Boston trailed early in the fourth quarter against the remnants of the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night before locking in late and pulling away for a 117-112 win at FedEx Forum. —Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 21 Mar. 2026

The Bolaven Plateau is a place where remnants of ancient volcanic activity, such as lava cliffs and extinct volcanic craters, coexist with lush natural landscapes that feature breathtaking waterfalls, deep gorges, and dramatic riverscapes. —Jasmine Ting, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Mar. 2026

Adjective

This includes prohibiting the removal of remnant walls of any existing structure and requiring that structural framing for the new building be completely independent of the Merchant's House. —Noelle Lilley, CBS News, 16 Mar. 2026

This could help explain why astronomers are increasingly seeing diversity in merging stellar remnant binaries. —Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 Mar. 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