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

By the time Melania arrives at the Inaugural festivities, the film has given itself over to a series of rituals (the candlelight dinner, the Inaugural itself, the luncheon, the Starlight Ball), which feels weirdly fitting since the filmmaking itself is so ritualized. —James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 30 Jan. 2026

Oribe can attest to this—thanks to their luncheon yesterday in Times Square which gave editors a first look at their new Eternal Curls collection. —Essence, 28 Jan. 2026

Successful Aging Solutions & Community Consulting is hosting a candlelight luncheon and a cash bingo date night, with $1,500 in cash prizes. —Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2026

The luncheon, which is free to veterans, costs $10 for guests. —Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 24 Jan. 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