leftover

1 of 2

noun

left·​over ˈleft-ˌō-vər How to pronounce leftover (audio)
Synonyms of leftovernext
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

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
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
Generously pipe filling into hollow of each egg white half (save any leftover filling in the fridge for another use). Shilpa Uskokovic, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Mar. 2026 This will help remove any leftover soap residue, Knoll shares. Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 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

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leftover was in 1864

Cite this Entry

“Leftover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leftover. Accessed 18 Mar. 2026.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on leftover

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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