Leftover Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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leftover

[ˈlɛftˌoʊvər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

food

Food remaining after a meal, especially when left uneaten.

Synonyms

remains, residue, surplus.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leftover	Refers to anything that remains after the main part has been used or taken; can have a slight negative implication, especially outside the food context. There were a few leftover supplies after the event. He felt like a leftover participant in the old project.
remains	Often used in formal or serious contexts, sometimes referring to what is left of something destroyed or decayed. It can also refer to human remains, which makes it a sensitive term. The remains of the ancient structure were fascinating. They found the remains of the old shipwreck.
residue	Used in scientific or technical contexts to describe what is left behind after a process, such as a substance left after evaporation or filtration. There's a sticky residue left on the container. The scientist examined the residue from the chemical process.
surplus	Refers to an excess or extra amount of something, often used in economic, industrial, or logistic contexts. The company achieved a significant surplus in their quarterly earnings. They donated the surplus food to the local shelter.

Examples of usage

There were so many leftovers from the party that we couldn't fit them all in the fridge.
She always takes the leftover pizza home with her.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

general

Remaining or not used up.

Synonyms

remaining, surplus, unused.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
leftover	Used primarily to describe food that remains after a meal. It carries a neutral tone but often implies it's been kept for future consumption. Do we have any leftover pizza from last night? I'll have the leftovers for lunch tomorrow.
remaining	Used in a variety of contexts to indicate what is left after a part has been used or taken. It's often applied in formal writing or speech. Please finish the remaining tasks by the end of the day. The remaining cookies were divided among the children.
unused	Indicates items or resources that have not been used at all. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation, suggesting waste or missed opportunity. We found an unused ticket while cleaning the drawer. The equipment sat unused for years.
surplus	Typically used in economic or inventory contexts to denote an excess amount beyond what is needed or used. It has a more formal tone. The company had a surplus of supplies at the end of the quarter. We decided to donate the surplus food to charity.

Examples of usage

She used the leftover fabric to make a quilt.
He had some leftover time before the meeting.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'leftover'

The term "leftover" originated in the 19th century and is derived from the combination of the words "left" and "over", indicating something that remains or is not used up. The concept of leftovers has been present throughout human history as people have always sought to make use of excess food or resources to avoid waste.

See also: left, leftist, leftovers, lefty.