relic

noun

rel·​ic ˈre-lik How to pronounce relic (audio)
Synonyms of relic
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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The relic is now on display in Gallery 162 in the museum’s section devoted to Greek and Roman Art. — Andy Battaglia, ARTnews.com, 14 Aug. 2026 Shelving units in the garage are tightly, but neatly, packed with containers of various items, from Nike sneakers to Cold War-era relics, labeled with a description or lot number scrawled in black marker. — Sarah Jackson valentina Duarte, CNBC, 12 Aug. 2026 Things like trumpets cracking, lights failing, and the BBC presenter’s original record of the broadcast breaking – all remind us of the fragility of relics, said Finn. — Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 10 Aug. 2026 Hollywood Beach Resort, the century-old grande dame with a storied history, is now a vacant relic that appears to be heading toward a more cosmopolitan fate. — Susannah Bryan, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for relic

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of relic was in the 13th century

Phrases Containing relic

Rhymes for relic

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Browse Nearby Words

reliant
relic
relic area
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Cite this Entry

“Relic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relic. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

relic

noun
rel·​ic ˈrel-ik How to pronounce relic (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on relic

Nglish: Translation of relic for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about relic

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