leftover
- 01 B1 Intermediate
n.food that is not eaten during a meal and is kept to be eaten at another time.
n.food remaining uneaten at the conclusion of a meal, typically reserved for subsequent consumption.
Simple“We had plenty of leftovers from the party, so I didn't need to cook lunch.”
In context“The family relied on leftovers for several days following the holiday feast, creatively repurposing the roast turkey into stews and sandwiches.”
UsageUsually used in the plural form when referring to food.
PitfallI ate a leftover for lunch. I ate some leftovers for lunch.When referring to food, this noun is almost always used in the plural form.
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.something that is left over after the main part has been used or finished.
n.an amount, object, or part that remains after the rest has been utilised or dealt with.
Simple“The factory sold the fabric leftovers to a local craft shop.”
In context“The budget surplus was a welcome leftover from the previous administration's conservative fiscal policies.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
adj.describes something that is still there after other parts have been taken or used.
adj.remaining or left behind after the use or destruction of the rest.
Simple“I used the leftover paint to touch up the scratches on the door.”
In context“The architect suggested using leftover materials from the primary construction site to build a small garden shed.”
UsageUsually placed before the noun.
From left (“remaining, abandoned”) + over (“excess”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.