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

Carved into chalk more than 1,600 years ago, the vaulted caverns at Taittinger stretch nearly 60 feet underground, their walls layered with remnants of Roman quarries, medieval crypts and Benedictine abbey foundations. —Rachel King, Forbes.com, 28 June 2025

Start by thoroughly clearing leftover debris, including wood chips and stump remnants, to prevent pest problems and prep for landscaping. —Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 27 June 2025

Adjective

Set a printing and posting budget and reach out to local representatives to explore options for your content to appear in the remnant ad space. —Rita Soronen, Forbes.com, 12 June 2025

The Rosebank expressions, for example, represent the last remnant stock produced before the distillery shut down. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes.com, 15 May 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