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

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

Similarly, the mega-wide legs on fluid trousers and the patchwork on an overall style reflected the brand's commitment to upcycling remnants, a hallmark of its approach. —Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Planetary nebulas are easy to catch but are usually quite small compared to diffuse nebulas and supernova remnants. —Harry Bennett, Space.com, 11 Sep. 2025

Adjective

The system, now a remnant low, is 110 miles north of Honolulu, Hawaii. —Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025

Some of the remnant moisture could bring us rain this weekend. —Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Sep. 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