remains

British  

/ rɪˈmeɪnz /

plural noun

1. any pieces, scraps, fragments, etc, that are left unused or still extant, as after use, consumption, the passage of time, etc

   the remains of a meal

   archaeological remains

2. the body of a dead person; corpse

3. Also called: literary remains.  the unpublished writings of an author at the time of his or her death

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Explanation

The word remains can mean a dead body, so a detective might investigate to find out if some bones found in a lake are human or non-human remains. You can also use remains to mean the part of something that's left behind after the rest has been used or thrown away. So the remains of your birthday cake might just be some crumbs and melted candles, and the remains of a building after an earthquake could consist of a crumbling foundation. In a murder mystery, though, remains are likely to be human bodies.

Example Sentences

“This remains an ongoing investigation,” the email read.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

The study suggested that the current outbreak is "larger than currently ascertained" and that its "true magnitude remains uncertain".

From BBC • May 19, 2026

Cyprus, which holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said its goal "remains, the swift implementation of the EU-US joint statement".

From Barron's • May 19, 2026

Emanuel and his colleagues said risks for stocks are building as long as WTI crude remains above $100 a barrel and the 10-year yield above 4.5%.

From MarketWatch • May 19, 2026

Mr. Berrycloth, who has clearly eavesdropped, remains quiet.

From "The Bletchley Riddle" by Ruta Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin

Related Words

• debris
• remnant