leftover

UK: ˈlɛftˌəʊvə | US: ˈlɛftˌoʊvər

Definition

  1. n. food remaining after a meal; unconsumed portion

  2. adj. remaining unused or uneaten

Structure
left <remaining>over <above/excess>
Etymology

The word "leftover" combines "left" (past tense of "leave," meaning "remaining") and "over" (Old English "ofer," implying excess or surplus). It originated in the mid-19th century to describe uneaten food saved for later use, reflecting practicality in resource management. The morphemes retain their original spellings and meanings, making the compound transparent.

Examples

  1. She packed the leftover pizza for lunch the next day.

  2. Leftover materials from the project were recycled.

  3. The restaurant sells leftover bread at a discount.

  4. He reused leftover wood to build a shelf.

  5. Leftover emotions from the argument lingered between them.