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 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
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Noun
If accepted, student aid is distributed first to schools to cover tuition and fees, but any leftover money is deposited into bank accounts controlled by the fraudsters. — Ashley Belanger, ArsTechnica, 30 Oct. 2026 This will help remove any leftover detergent and odors, leaving your towels soft and fresh. — Anyssa Roberts, The Spruce, 28 Oct. 2026
Adjective
Others are leftover rocket parts or fragments from past collisions. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 Use the iron-and-paper towel method to absorb leftover residue. — Alexandra Emanuelli, Southern Living, 26 Sep. 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 1 Nov. 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
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