leftover

noun left·over \ ˈleft-ˌō-vər \

|Updated on: 7 Aug 2018

Definition of leftover

1 : something that remains unused or unconsumed; especially : leftover food served at a later meal —usually used in plural

2 : an anachronistic survival : vestige

See leftover defined for English-language learners

See leftover defined for kids

Examples of leftover in a Sentence

Are we having leftovers again?
The law is a leftover from earlier times.

Recent Examples of leftover from the Web

Neither do polystyrene containers — like the ones restaurants use for leftovers or take-out meals — even if the container has a recycling triangle on it.

— larry barszewski, Sun-Sentinel.com, "Recycling's new reality: 'When in doubt, throw it out'," 29 June 2018
For years, asteroids were thought of as the leftovers of planet formation - chunks of material that never quite made it to planet size and that were drawn into the crowded belt of rocky remnants that circles the sun between Mars and Jupiter.

— sarah kaplan, chicagotribune.com, "Many asteroids might be remnants of 5 destroyed worlds, scientists say," 3 July 2018
The team had bought a package of 50, so the leftovers can be used next Father’s Day, said Shapiro.

— leah garchik, SFChronicle.com, "San Rafael Pacifics’ personal tribute to fatherhood," 20 June 2018
Better yet, put the leftovers in the freezer immediately after serving to decrease temptation.

— meghan rabbitt, courant.com, "Outsmart Your Appetite By Knowing These Diet Traps," 1 June 2018
The leftovers were donated to Becca's Closet, a national nonprofit organization that donates dresses to girls and their families who can't afford them.

— dakin andone, CNN, "Moved by school tragedy, community comes together to give Parkland seniors a prom to remember," 5 May 2018
The leftovers from Halley’s Comet will be streaking into the night sky this weekend for the annual Eta Aquarids meteor shower.

— richard tribou, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Look up this weekend for Eta Aquarid meteor shower," 4 May 2018
These leftovers are significantly less demonic than Groot Bear, though both still feature eyes that reveal the souls of their respective superheroes trapped within.

— megan farokhmanesh, The Verge, "In honor of Avengers: Infinity War, Build-a-Bear is releasing a series of cursed murder bears," 19 Apr. 2018
Heat-and-Eat Monday Transform the leftovers into Pork Sandwiches on whole-grain bread.

— atlanta life, ajc, "7 Day Menu Planner," 6 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'leftover.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of leftover

1866

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

leftover Synonyms

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

leftover

adjective

Definition of leftover

: not consumed or used

leftover food

leftover space

Recent Examples of leftover from the Web

For filling: Cut leftover steak into thin slices and then into halves.

— atlanta life, ajc, "7 day menu planner," 16 Mar. 2018
The pump snaps and leftover fuel from inside the hose sprays everywhere, the video shows.

— kaitlyn schwers, kansascity, "Gas pump ripped out by van sprays Lamborghini, which bursts into flames," 10 July 2018
And while teams may have leftover cap accounting issues, there are rarely financial consequences to severing a contract.

— andrew brandt, SI.com, "How NFL and NBA Contracts Differ, and What NFL Players Can Do to Change It," 10 July 2018
Steel from leftover ships and tanks was melted down in enormous furnaces to be reused in bridges and beer cans.

— jonathan schifman, Popular Mechanics, "The Entire History of Steel," 9 July 2018
To use leftover grains, substitute 2 1/2 cups in place of the 2/3 cup listed here.

— emily horton, charlotteobserver, "Four steps to making a great grain salad, every time," 19 June 2018
Here's a mix of recipes for leftover ham that won't seem so leftover.

— debbi snook, cleveland.com, "Leftover Easter ham recipes: Soup, salad, stir fry, ham loaf," 28 Mar. 2018
While it was considered a weak storm system, Rasch said leftover clouds from Fabio have traveled north, keeping temperatures cooler in the Sacramento area and increasing humidity levels by 10 to 15 percent.

— cassie dickman, sacbee, "Why was Sacramento suddenly cloudy this morning? Blame Fabio, weather experts say," 6 July 2018
This includes leftover citrus juices, citrus rinds, and the seeds and skins of fruits.

— rachel king, Fortune, "Sustainable Cocktails Could Be the Next Big Trend in Bartending," 2 July 2018

First Known Use of leftover

1864

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

Other Food Terms

Reuben, calamari, chuck, curry, edamame, foie gras, hummus, leaven, nonpareil, peel

LEFTOVER Defined for English Language Learners

leftover

noun

Definition of leftover for English Language Learners

leftovers : food that has not been finished at a meal and that is often served at another meal
: a thing that remains after something is finished or ended