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

Plastic Lids And Containers Some cookie sheets and baking pans come with a convenient, plastic lid for transporting to parties and potlucks. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 21 Jan. 2026

On July 5, neighborhoods statewide are encouraged to host a unity potluck. —Angela George, Sioux Falls Argus Leader, 20 Jan. 2026

Students are planning a potluck to protest the decision and looking for ways to bring back the dinner. —Heather Bushman, IndyStar, 16 Jan. 2026

These dishes are meant to be shared — with company at home, at a potluck or with a neighbor in need. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 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