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leftover

/ˈlɛft.ə.vər/ · left.ə.vər
noun
  1. Something left behind; an excess or remainder. The project's budget was a leftover from the previous year's allocation.
  2. Remaining after a meal is complete or eaten for a later meal or snack. Not leftovers again! We're trying to reduce food waste.
adjective
  1. Remaining; left behind; extra; in reserve. Do you want some of the leftover supplies from the event?
Did you know? The term 'leftover' gained popularity in the mid-20th century, particularly in the context of food and cooking, as people became more aware of the importance of reducing food waste and making the most of available resources.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 1 lookups Added Aug 9, 2026