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

Synonyms of leftover

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Noun

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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
Here are seven ways to transform your leftovers, shared by our audience. — Malaka Gharib, NPR, 6 July 2026 Emptying all the food scraps into the trash can and putting away any leftovers and perishable goods, Buchanan says. — Sarah Lyon, The Spruce, 2 July 2026
Adjective
When the oven heats up again, leftover residue can bake onto the surface. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 13 June 2026 This dish is good either freshly made or leftover, and can be eaten warm or cold. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 2 June 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

Rhymes for leftover

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Browse Nearby Words

left of center
leftover
left, right, and centre
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Leftover.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leftover. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

Nglish: Translation of leftover for Spanish Speakers

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