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

Step 4: After the time has elapsed, remove the mask carefully and wash your feet with soap and water to remove any leftover residue. —Daley Quinn Published, Health, 6 Sep. 2024

Reheated Eats:Who has the best leftover pizza in Cincinnati? —Rasputin Todd, The Enquirer, 5 Sep. 2024

Adjective

With the subfloor exposed, use a broom and vacuum to get rid of any leftover dust and debris. —Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 July 2024

If the only thing better than a piping hot box of pizza from your favorite spot is a cold, leftover slice of the exact same pizza straight from the refrigerator, you, too, may have wondered: how long does pizza actually last in the fridge? —Catherine Jessee, Southern Living, 18 Aug. 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