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

After a busy holiday season filled with potlucks, cocktail hours, and other festive events, now is the perfect time to stock your fridge with fresh foods and enjoy more meals at home. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 7 Jan. 2026

This summery dish is a favorite for lunch, potlucks, and dinner among BHG readers. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Jan. 2026

Pull-apart rolls are great as a party appetizer, for a potluck, or even as a meal with a soup or side salad. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 31 Dec. 2025

The casserole that's famous for vanishing at potlucks. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 30 Dec. 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