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

This is an extra flavorful way to enjoy the day after Thanksgiving leftovers. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 28 Nov. 2024

There's always the Black Friday turkey sandwich option for your Thanksgiving leftovers. —Hannah Yasharoff, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024

Adjective

The next best thing is a cuff bracelet from Crash Jewelry, made from (as the name suggests) leftover metal from a supercar repair shop. —Kristin Shaw, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

To try making those stuffing waffles, Shelton and Stefani now take an extra step to ensure that there will be leftover stuffing. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 26 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