How to pronounce leftover
Say it like LEF-toh-ver. Leftover has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEF).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce leftover. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- LEF
- toh
- ver
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Leftover pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- LEFSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- tohGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "o" in go.
- verKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "er" in butter.
American vs British pronunciation of leftover
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
- The long o starts further forward in British English, closer to "uh-oo" than the American "oh".
British respelling: LEF-toh-vuh.
What does leftover mean?
- Something left behind; an excess or remainder.“It's a leftover from yesterday, but it's still perfectly good.”
- Remaining after a meal is complete or eaten for a later meal or snack.“Not leftovers again!”
- Remaining; left behind; extra; odd; in reserve.“Do you want some of the leftover supplies from the event?”
Where does leftover come from?
From left (“remaining, abandoned”) + over (“excess”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying leftover
How do you pronounce leftover?
Say LEF-toh-ver. The American pronunciation is /ˈlɛfˌtoʊvɚ/. In British English it is /ˈlɛfˌtəʊvə/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in leftover?
Leftover has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (LEF). Broken into parts: LEF · toh · ver.
Is leftover pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /ˈlɛfˌtəʊvə/ (LEF-toh-vuh).