potluck

noun

pot·​luck ˈpät-ˈlək 

sense 1b also -ˌlək

1

a

: the regular meal available to a guest for whom no special preparations have been made

b

: a communal meal to which people bring food to share

—usually used attributively

a potluck supper

2

: whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time

Examples of potluck in a Sentence

He organized a neighborhood potluck for next Saturday.

Recent Examples on the Web

Planning a big holiday meal or a potluck with friends involves a lot of coordination. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 11 Nov. 2025

In the fall, with more family potlucks and football-watching with friends, a few easy, go-to dress options are sensible, but finding the right feel and fit for a dress can be daunting. —Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 9 Nov. 2025

The potluck-style celebration features dishes prepared by League members that reflect their heritage. —Ut Community Press, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 Nov. 2025

Even a potluck dinner, movie night or phone call can counter isolation, making joy a renewable resource generated with others. —Gio Dolcecore, Popular Science, 5 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for potluck

• amok
• amuck
• awestruck
• dumbstruck
• roebuck
• unstuck
• woodchuck
• chuck
• cluck
• duck
• huck
• luck

Kids Definition

potluck

noun

pot·​luck ˈpät-ˈlək 

1

a

: a regular meal for which no special preparations have been made

b

: a meal to which people bring food to share

2

: whatever is offered or available in given circumstances or at a given time