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

This allows the caterers to reduce the amount of food they prepare and serve, so that there’s less likelihood of leftovers.

From Salon

If you get one of these containers, do not use it to reheat the food or your leftovers — transfer the food to glass or ceramic containers.

From Los Angeles Times

“When I got older I started to frequent the other fabric vendors and purchase their leftovers from them.”

From Los Angeles Times

In Java, the Indonesian birthplace of oncom, oncom leftovers are used much like seeds to grow a new batch of the alternative protein — a process similar to using sourdough starter to make bread.

From Salon

Such was the scarcity that one of the beloved staples was a stew made from leftover military rations discarded by U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• extra
• residual
• unused