leftover

[left-oh-ver]

noun

1. Usually leftovers. food remaining uneaten at the end of a meal, especially when saved for later use.

2. anything left or remaining from a larger amount; remainder.

adjective

1. being left or remaining, as an unused portion or amount.

   leftover meatloaf.

   Synonyms: extra, excess, surplus

leftover

/ ˈlɛftˌəʊvə /

noun

1. (often plural) an unused portion or remnant, as of material or of cooked food

adjective

1. left as an unused portion or remnant

Word History and Origins

Origin of leftover¹

1890–95; noun use of verb phrase left over; left ²

Example Sentences

A mini fridge was handy, though microwaves weren’t available for reheating leftovers.

From Salon

In 1974, Anderson paid $15,000 for the inventory of a jeweler in Baker City, Ore., selling what he could and bringing the leftovers home.

From Los Angeles Times

Creamy, with a sweetness that flirted between honeyed custard and the milk leftover at the end end of a bowl of Cheerio’s — decadent, strange and oddly comforting.

From Salon

Her favorite is their outdoor table, which Greene crafted from leftover teak and inlaid with gecko leaves, a nod to her late mother’s favorite plant.

From Los Angeles Times

Any one of these could transform leftovers, inspire a new technique, or make an ordinary weeknight feel a little ceremonial.

From Salon

Related Words

• extra 
• residual 
• unused