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

Participants are encouraged, potluck-style, to bring a dish, ingredient or drink that others can enjoy. — Pedro Moura, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026

This summer dessert recipe is easy to prep ahead and tote to your next party or potluck. — Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026

The result is classic banana pudding flavor in the form of a snack cake that feeds a crowd, travels well, and slices neatly for picnics, potlucks, and cookouts. — Joe Sevier, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 July 2026

Pasta salad is a classic potluck dish or simple weeknight dinner. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026

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