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

Butts spoke at a luncheon sponsored by the School of Education at Indiana University Northwest in Gary. —Carole Carlson, Chicago Tribune, 20 Feb. 2026

With seemingly endless possibilities for ingredient combinations and twists, there's always a new way to serve a pasta salad at brunch, a ladies luncheon, or with a light supper. —Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2026

The Muse Awards gala luncheon serves as NYWIFT’s flagship fundraising event, attended by executives from major studios, broadcast and cable networks and film production facilities. —Arushi Jacob, Variety, 19 Feb. 2026

Rancho Bernardo Woman’s Club luncheon in the Maderas Golf Club, 17750 Old Coach Road in Poway. —Pomerado News, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 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