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

The leftover hummus can be used as a sandwich spread or with a protein bowl the next day. 7. —Lauren Panoff, Mph, Rd, Verywell Health, 10 Mar. 2025

Final Rinse & Shine Wipe the countertop with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover residue or product. —Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Mar. 2025

Adjective

Today, Erick and Amanda serve leftover food to the homeless and help to support sober living through Ben’s Friends, a nationwide community whose mission is to provide a sober outlet for hospitality workers who struggle with substance abuse and addiction. —Sunny Hubler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Mar. 2025

Add the veggie side dish to your main by adding sliced mushrooms, chopped fresh spinach or kale, or leftover roasted vegetables. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 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