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

• echo
• ghost
• shadow
• trace
• vestige

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

This might be an uncomfortable statement for some, particularly those who find belief in any sort of deity to be an outdated relic of a bygone era. —Donovan McAbee, TIME, 28 Oct. 2024

Light switches, doorbells and curtain rods may soon be domestic relics of a bygone era. —Alexandria Abramian, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Oct. 2024

The Eastern Region of Ghana is a rich blend of dramatic landscape, historical relics and traditional cultures. —Roger Sands, Forbes, 22 Oct. 2024

In the spirit of making the show enjoyable for the child actors, Henrie has also carried forward some of the behind-the-scenes relics from the O.G. show. —Julia MacCary, Variety, 21 Oct. 2024

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

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