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 the center, a handful of first responders sat at long, plastic tables eating hot food that was set out potluck-style. —Alexandra Kukulka, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

These handheld treats are the perfect snack for tailgates, Church potlucks, or a sweet breakfast on the go. —Krissy Tiglias, Southern Living, 12 Mar. 2026

Mix up a creamy dressing with sour cream, mayo, and a splash of milk, and top everything off with a handful of shredded cheddar cheese and minced chives for the ideal potluck dish. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Mar. 2026

Opt for a potluck or trivia night instead of a watch party. —Caroline Ceniza-Levine, Forbes.com, 24 Feb. 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