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 president voiced his desire to shift more spending to states during an Easter luncheon at the White House this week, insisting the federal government's responsibilities include the military and war, not programs like daycare for young children. —Kathryn Watson, CBS News, 3 Apr. 2026

Mandelman, the president of the board, had the busiest social calendar of all his colleagues for the second year running, accepting tickets to nearly 20 parties, galas, awards ceremonies and luncheons. —Alyce McFadden, San Francisco Chronicle, 2 Apr. 2026

Honorees will be celebrated during an awards luncheon at SEJ’s annual conference in Chicago, April 17. —Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2026

The veteran filmmaker is confirmed to headline CinemaCon’s annual Creative Community luncheon. —Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 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