remnant

1 of 2

noun

rem·​nant ˈrem-nənt How to pronounce remnant (audio)
Synonyms of remnant
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 of remnant

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Noun

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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
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.
Noun
Found in the burn barrel were remnants of Gross' glasses, clothing, magazines, and a vial of her dog's insulin. — Patrick Damp, CBS News, 31 July 2026 Using blood detection methods, crime scene investigators also found blood remnants on the holes, the floor below, the kitchen sink, bathroom sink and bathroom floor. — Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 July 2026
Adjective
Wildlife managers used a few remnant populations in the state as the source to start local populations elsewhere. — Mark Vrtiska, The Conversation, 30 July 2026 Arrive early to hike trails through remnant prairie and have a pre-show picnic, then watch an alfresco performance as dusk falls. — Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for remnant

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of remnant was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

remix
remnant
remnantal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Remnant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/remnant. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on remnant

Nglish: Translation of remnant for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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