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
: not consumed or used
leftover food
leftover space
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
Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The issue of cost and the lack of child care programs across the state prompted lawmakers to assign another $100 million to the child care subsidy program using leftover dollars from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Fund.
—Jess Huff, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026
There can be several reasons from hard water's mineral buildup, leftover detergent residue, over-drying, or natural fiber stiffening.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leftover
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Noun
With a 100% leakproof design, these plastic storage containers are excellent for keeping leftovers or taking your lunch on the go.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
The issue of cost and the lack of child care programs across the state prompted lawmakers to assign another $100 million to the child care subsidy program using leftover dollars from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Fund.
—Jess Huff, Los Angeles Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
Grease and oil might look harmless, but grease has the potential to congeal and harden, while leftover oil can coat your pipes and cause other things to get stuck.
—Alexandra Kelly, Martha Stewart, 15 Mar. 2026
There can be several reasons from hard water's mineral buildup, leftover detergent residue, over-drying, or natural fiber stiffening.
—Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for leftover
Cite this Entry
“Leftover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leftover. Accessed 2 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
