leftover

American  

[left-oh-ver] / ˈlɛftˌoʊ vər /

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.

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adjective

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

   leftover meatloaf.

   Synonyms:

   extra, excess, surplus

leftover British  

/ ˈlɛftˌəʊvə /

noun

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

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adjective

1. left as an unused portion or remnant

Etymology

Origin of leftover

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

Example Sentences

This designation means that universities will reinvest any leftover funds after expenses – they don’t use the word “profit” – into programs that advance the university’s mission.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2026

We made a memecoin from $40 of leftover crypto that briefly reached a market cap of $2 million.

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2026

On another Easter-related thread, a different commenter said: “We also throw in any leftover birthday favors and stocking stuffers.”

From MarketWatch • Apr. 2, 2026

The leftover carbon dioxide will be stored deep beneath the North Sea in sedimentary bedrock and will gradually mineralize over time.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

When she turned back, the domovoi was on top of the oven again, peering down at the leftover little piece burning inside.

From Anya and the Dragon by Sofiya Pasternack

Related Words

• extra
• residual
• unused