# relic

/ˈɹɛɫɪk/ (US) · /ɹˈɛlɪk/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/relic
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. historical object

noun · CEFR B2

an object from the past that has survived, especially one that helps us understand history.

For teachers: an object, custom, or belief that has survived from an earlier time but is now outmoded or historical.

- The archaeologists found a bronze relic from the Roman Empire buried in the field.
- The museum's latest acquisition is a rare relic of the industrial revolution, showcasing the transition from manual labour to steam power.

### 2. religious object

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a part of a holy person's body or one of their belongings, kept as a sacred object.

For teachers: a part of a deceased holy person's body or a personal effect kept as a physical object of religious veneration.

- Thousands of people traveled to the cathedral to see the sacred relic.
- The ornate gold box was said to contain a relic of the saint, attracting pilgrims from across the continent for centuries.

### 3. outdated person or thing

noun · CEFR C1 · Humorous · Informal

a person or thing that is very old-fashioned and does not belong in the modern world.

For teachers: a person or thing that is a surviving trace of a bygone era, often implying they are obsolete or out of touch.

- My grandfather says he feels like a relic because he doesn't know how to use a smartphone.
- The old typewriter sat on his desk, a charming but useless relic in an office full of high-speed computers.

## Examples

- The old steam engine is a relic of the industrial age.
- The museum displays several medieval relics, including a fragment of a saint's robe and ancient coins.
- The crumbling fortress stands as a silent relic of a forgotten empire, its stones bearing witness to centuries of conflict and cultural shift.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.