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
Store leftover steak fajitas in airtight containers in the fridge up to 4 days. Katlyn Moncada, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 2025 Here's how to make the best use of those leftover yolks, and how to store them to keep their quality high. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 17 July 2025
Adjective
Freezing leftover coffee in ice cube trays can be a delicious way to chill iced coffee, or to add to smoothies or use in baking recipes. Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 20 July 2025 This involved repurposing leftover food from buffets like pastries, fruit and coffee beans to make tasty puddings or pickling fruit and vegetables. Ramsey Qubein, Forbes.com, 14 July 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 29 Jul. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!