luncheon

noun

lun·​cheon ˈlən-chən 

: lunch

especially : a formal usually midday meal as part of a meeting or for entertaining a guest

a company luncheon

a fund-raising luncheon

Examples of luncheon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The luncheon began with a commemorative Flag Salute, led by the Sons of the American Revolutionary Color Guard presenting the flags, including the American Flag, the Betsy Ross Flag, the Union Jack and the Sons of the American Revolution Flag. — Sharon Hlapcich, Oc Register, 9 July 2026

That photo appeared around 2014, when Charlie Velazquez — now 93 and president of the Friends of San Ysidro luncheon group — found it in a trunk of his late parents’ belongings. — Walker Armstrong, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2026

In 1918, the American Museum of Natural History served cuts of what animal at an unusual luncheon that newspapers considered a fitting revenge for the biblical figure of Jonah? — Drew Goins, The Atlantic, 6 July 2026

Having participated in a Southern Living luncheon group in a previous neighborhood, Kirby missed the camaraderie after moving to Haymarket, Virginia. — Christina Daves, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of nuncheon light snack, alteration of Middle English nonshench midday refreshment, from non noon + schench drink

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing luncheon

• luncheon meat
• pre-luncheon

Rhymes for luncheon

• truncheon

Kids Definition

luncheon

noun

lun·​cheon ˈlən-chən 

: a light meal at midday

especially : a formal lunch