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

• remainder
• scrap
• remnant

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 behavior will lead to a spectrum of temperature imperfections in the Big Bang’s leftover glow, and eventually will form the seeds of structure that grow into stars, galaxies, and the cosmic web. —Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025

Cornbread dressing is a Southern specialty, with its American origins dating back to the early 1900s when African Americans developed the dish using leftover bread or grains mixed with seasonings. —Symiah Dorsey, Southern Living, 23 Oct. 2025

Adjective

Run hot water through the shower head for a minute or two to flush out any remaining mineral deposits or leftover vinegar. —Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 12 Oct. 2025

The bill's language requires any funds be used to pay for the system itself, while leftover dollars go to traffic safety or enforcement programs and infrastructure. —David Clarey, jsonline.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1866, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

1864, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for leftover

• carryover
• changeover
• crossover
• cutover
• flashover
• hangover
• holdover
• layover
• makeover
• moreover
• passover
• pullover

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