relic

noun

rel·​ic ˈre-lik How to pronounce relic (audio)
1
a
: an object esteemed and venerated because of association with a saint or martyr
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

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.
Remakes and remasters proliferate year after year, some expected like Resident Evil, others long overdue like The Legacy Of Kain: Soul Reaver, and still others shocking, like the PlayStation 1 era platforming relic Croc: Legend Of The Gobbos. Jason Fanelli, Rolling Stone, 5 Nov. 2024 But Andrew is more symbol than great character — a significant time-capsule relic slightly diminished by the fortunate evolution of human thinking about sexuality and AIDS. 14. Tim Grierson, Vulture, 2 Nov. 2024 At last, Congress is seriously considering legislation that would end this relic of the New Deal, better known as Section 14(c), which confines Disabled people to a lifetime of poverty and segregation. Keely Cat-Wells, TIME, 1 Nov. 2024 On the cusp of Trump’s potential return to power, the Resistance now feels like a relic of another era. Franklin Foer, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 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

Dictionary Entries Near relic

Cite this Entry

“Relic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/relic. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!