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 Presumably set up in the early pandemic, the sign and dispenser had long ago become relics. Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 29 Feb. 2024 Soldiers who rotate through the Joint Readiness Training Center there are learning to create trenches and dugouts, relics of past conflicts brought back to provide protection from bombs and drones. Alex Horton, Washington Post, 22 Feb. 2024 The Grand-Hotel du Cap-Ferrat is a Belle Epoque relic positioned on its own private peninsula—jutting into the Mediterranean somewhere between Nice and Monaco. Calin Van Paris, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2024 Since Bryce also has the remnants of the Horn—a Fae relic able to open rifts between worlds—tattooed into her back, the Asteri were planning to use Bryce to return to that world, where they were once overthrown, and conquer it anew. Megan McCluskey, TIME, 2 Feb. 2024 Old-country relics such as Hungarian Goulash ($21.95) and Stuffed Cabbage ($22.95) are on the menu for dinner. Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 12 Jan. 2024 Though the racist practice of separate accommodations was officially outlawed by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, relics from the past still linger today. Rodney Coates, The Conversation, 20 Feb. 2024 The myth that introverts don’t make great leaders holds back both individuals and organizations and should be viewed as an outdated relic. Kara Dennison, Forbes, 14 Feb. 2024 Jered will guide everyone through the process of making pottery on the wheel and will then fire and glaze your two favorite pieces as lasting relics of your love. Brittany Delay, The Mercury News, 5 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'relic.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 19 Mar. 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

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