leftover

1 of 2

noun

left·​over ˈleft-ˌō-vər How to pronounce leftover (audio)
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
The small pieces of compressed woody leftovers, like sawdust, are used in everything from home heating to grilling. Tom Brown, Wired News, 14 June 2025 For someone who works from home and doesn’t own a microwave, that nonstick pan was my leftovers’ best friend. Jesse Raub, Bon Appetit Magazine, 12 June 2025
Adjective
George kept it classic in a black tux and rocked his natural silver hair with just a bit of leftover dark dye on the top. Catherine Santino, People.com, 8 June 2025 Essentially, the potential new acquisition could battle for leftover minutes with Endrick, who enjoyed little prominence on Ancelotti’s watch at Real Madrid but will probably be reunited with him on international duty for Brazil upon his return from injury. Tom Sanderson, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025 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 Jun. 2025.

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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