remnant

American  

[rem-nuhnt] / ˈrɛm nənt /

noun

1. a remaining, usually small part, quantity, number, or the like.

   Synonyms:

   remains, rest, residuum, residue, remainder

2. a fragment or scrap.

3. a small, unsold or unused piece of cloth, lace, etc., as at the end of a bolt.

4. a trace; vestige.

   remnants of former greatness.

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adjective

1. remaining; leftover.

remnant British  

/ ˈrɛmnənt /

noun

1. (often plural) a part left over after use, processing, etc

2. a surviving trace or vestige, as of a former era

   a remnant of imperialism

3. a piece of material from the end of a roll, sold at a lower price

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adjective

1. remaining; left over

Other Word Forms

• remnantal adjective

Etymology

Origin of remnant

1300–50; Middle English remna ( u ) nt, contraction of remenant < Old French, present participle of remenoir to remain

Example Sentences

Yet with the final remnant of muscular control in his right thumb, he spelled out letters at an adapted typewriter beside Edith.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

The arrangement resembles an "acquihire" – a practice increasingly common in Silicon Valley where larger tech companies poach key staff from smaller firms, leaving a small remnant of the company behind.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

It's part of the Chaco bioregion, which is a forest type that only exists in remnant plots.

From Salon • Apr. 26, 2025

Cronin said guard Sebastian Mack played only three minutes because he showed up not ready to play and was dealing with knee swelling as a remnant of last weekend’s victory over Arizona.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2024

His face was weary, even dazed, as if he hadn’t slept a wink, and an unmistakable remnant of misery showed in his eyes.

From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart

Related Words

• bit
• fragment
• particle
• piece
• remains
• residue
• shred
• vestige