leftover

1 of 2

noun

left·​over ˈleft-ˌō-vər 

1

: something that remains unused or unconsumed

especially : leftover food served at a later meal

—usually used in plural

2

: an anachronistic survival : vestige

leftover

2 of 2

adjective

: not consumed or used

leftover food

leftover space

Synonyms

Noun

• end
• fag end
• oddment
• remainder
• remnant
• scrap
• stub

Examples of leftover in a Sentence

Noun

Are we having leftovers again?

The law is a leftover from earlier times.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Skipping next-day leftovers for eating red curry at a Thai restaurant. —Jamila Robinson, Bon Appétit, 5 Nov. 2024

And if the prospect of eating the same dinner five days in a row doesn't entice you, try getting creative with making other kinds of food with your leftover ingredients. —London Gibson, The Indianapolis Star, 4 Nov. 2024

Adjective

My fridge has a cinnamon churro creamer for afternoon sweet-treat coffees, whole milk for my regular morning brew, and heavy cream leftover from baking that gets splashed in for an extra indulgent sip. —Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 2 Nov. 2024

The Wool Dwellers with leftover ZQ Merino Wool are the level of chic one’s loungewear aesthetic needs. —Adam Mansuroglu, WWD, 1 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1864, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

leftover

noun

left·​over

ˈlef-ˌtō-vər

: something remaining

especially : food left over from one meal and served at another

—usually used in plural

leftover adjective