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

Along with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season comes some higher-than-usual costs—buying gifts, prepping for guests, planning menus, supplying potluck dishes, and handing out treats to neighbors. —Abigail Wilt, Southern Living, 8 Dec. 2025

Looking for the perfect item to bring to the office holiday potluck? —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 5 Dec. 2025

For everyone except the Grinch, the next four weeks are likely to bring a flurry of invites to cookie swaps, potlucks, and cocktail soirees. —Abbey Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 4 Dec. 2025

These days, potlucks can be a chance to impress guests with healthful eating options. —Bethany Thayer, Freep.com, 29 Nov. 2025

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