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

Inside their pages are the classic recipes that likely grace your holiday table and church potlucks. — Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 25 June 2026

This creamy chicken casserole is loaded with umami-rich mushrooms, sweet peppers, crunchy snap peas, and bright cherry tomatoes—all seasonal vegetables that make this dish perfect for summer potlucks and picnics. — Kelsey Ogletree, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2026

Toss it on the grill for an easy weeknight side, boil it for buttery corn on the cob at family dinners, or slice the kernels into a bright summer corn salad for barbecues and potlucks. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 24 June 2026

These recipes for nut and snack mixes are perfect for a party snack, road trips, office potlucks, tailgate get-togethers, or food gifts. — Hannah Agran, Midwest Living, 23 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