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

The existing wallpaper was a relic of the former tenant’s penchant for drama and glamour. —Linne Halpern, Architectural Digest, 12 Dec. 2024

Instead, there’s an honor system — just take a drink, leave a donation and soak up the relics of a bygone era. —Karen Gilchrist, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

The priest at the church, which had been sanctified by the recent arrival of some saintly relics from Rome, tried talking to the demon living in the girl’s body. —Matthew Gabriele, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Dec. 2024

In each area like Vatican City, one mission begets another, and then another, as unlocking the map and gaining money to purchases tourist pamphlets opens even more to do, with dozens of relics, books, and junk to collect as side quests. —Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 10 Dec. 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