leftovers
LEFT-oh-vurz
/ˈleftˌoʊvərz/
Food remaining after a meal.
Usually implies food that is saved to be eaten later, rather than just scraps to be thrown away.
The story behind the word. A simple compound word from the late 19th century. It describes what is 'left' after the main event is 'over.'
Word relationships
- remnants: Remnants are small remaining pieces of something; leftovers are specifically food intended for another meal.
- scraps: Scraps usually implies small bits of food only fit for animals or the bin.
Commonly confused with
- residue: Residue is a chemical or physical trace left behind; leftovers are the actual food items.
Word family
- leftover (adjective): Remaining from a previous use.
Collocations
- cold leftovers
- reheat leftovers
- leftover food
Example sentences
- "We had so much pizza last night that we'll be eating leftovers for lunch all week." Daily life.
- "Leftovers are the secret ingredient of a resourceful kitchen, transformed by a clever cook into something entirely new." A culinary essay.
Memory hook
It's what is 'left' when the meal is 'over.' Leftovers: Left when it's over.
When not to use
In a formal restaurant or professional culinary setting, you might use 'surplus' or 'remnants' instead of the casual 'leftovers.'
Fun facts
- The 'doggy bag' became popular in the US during WWII as a way to encourage people not to waste food, ostensibly to feed their pets, but really for themselves.
Related words
Explore more words
shelf-stable, subsistence, provisions, feast, surplus, frugal
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