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Synonyms

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.

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. left as an unused portion or remnant

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of leftover

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

We started with a generous spread of complimentary bread and butter, fresh oysters, and escargot—my wife’s favorite, not mine, though the leftover sauce was perfect for dipping.

From Salon • Mar. 31, 2026

After that, the composer turned his attention to a big band pet project, making ends meet with leftover work scoring German TV shows.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 13, 2026

These microbes help stop leftover spores from growing into harmful C. difficile bacteria and triggering another infection.

From Science Daily • Mar. 11, 2026

The leftover powder covered my fingers and part of the back of my hand.

From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.