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

After the service, members of the congregation gathered in the church basement for a luncheon honoring the bishop's anniversary years of service, with steaming trays of chicken, greens, sweet potatoes and desserts. — ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026

The commander in chief returned the favor while championing Minaj during a presidential luncheon in July. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 21 Oct. 2026

The Southern California college basketball kickoff luncheon was held on Wednesday at the Downtown Athletic Club, and sitting at one of the tables dressed in suit and tie was someone as knowledgeable as any coach in the room. — Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026

The group recently held Its annual fundraising luncheon, DigniTea, in Cupertino. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 15 Oct. 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