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

Researchers also found additional relics like stone tools made from flint and quartz, as well as animal bones displaying cut marks. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 12 Mar. 2025

Far from being a relic or a measure in need of hasty correction, GDP remains an essential gauge of how much a society is able to produce and ultimately consume. —James Broughel, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Its current flagship location on Broughton Street in historic downtown Savannah includes several relics from the original store like the black marble soda fountain, wooden back bar, and telephone booth. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 27 Feb. 2025

As the Tucker 48 never realized a final specification, restorers are entrusted with unique relics that today, routinely fetch more than $1M when offered for sale. —Raphael Orlove, Robb Report, 27 Feb. 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