Meaning & Definition of word "Leftover"

Leftover

/ˈlɛfˌtoʊvər/

noun:

  • 1. Something that remains after the rest has been used, taken, or dealt with.
    • Example: She heated up the leftover pasta for lunch.
  • 2. Food that remains after a meal.
    • Example: We always have some leftover from dinner that we can eat later.
  • 3. Unused items that are not needed anymore.
    • Example: The garage was full of leftovers from previous projects.

adjective:

  • 1. Remaining after the other parts have been used or dealt with.
    • Example: They donated the leftover supplies to the local charity.
  • 2. Not consumed or used completely.
    • Example: There were several leftover tickets from the event.

Etymology

From the phrase 'left over,' meaning remaining after subtraction or consumption.

Common Phrases and Expressions

leftover food:

Food that has not been consumed.

leftover parts:

Items remaining after something has been assembled or used.

make do with leftovers:

To manage with whatever remains, often implying resourcefulness.

Related Words

remnant:

A remaining quantity after the greater part has been removed.

surplus:

An amount of something left over when requirements have been met.

remainder:

That which is left over after something is removed.

Slang Meanings of leftover

Meaning: Leftover love

Example Sentence: He was still hung up on leftover love from his last relationship.

Meaning: Leftover feelings

Example Sentence: She has leftover feelings for her ex.