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 of relic

• artifact
• trace
• remnant
• vestige
• ghost
• reminder
• echo
• shadow

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

Kardashian, who attended the Met Gala with ex Pete Davidson that year, underwent a physical transformation just to fit into the relic. —Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 May 2026

For years, the rise of Expedia and Airbnb convinced us the travel agent was a dead profession—a relic of the era of paper tickets and storefront offices. —Sheila Yasmin Marikar, Air Mail, 2 May 2026

This relic hasn’t provided an economic benefit to the community for ages. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 1 May 2026

The central stupa also houses various sacred relics, including tooth relics of the Buddha obtained from Sri Lanka. —Ethan Teekah, Encyclopedia Britannica, 1 May 2026

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