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

Kath bars would be the perfect sweet treat to bring to your next potluck or cookie swap—just be sure to share the recipe with anyone who asks. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026

If those don't match your vibe, America's Test Kitchen has pulled together potluck recipes from every state. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 4 July 2026

These cheesecake bars will be the star of the show at any summer potluck or Fourth of July party. — Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 4 July 2026

Done in just 25 minutes — crisping the bacon is the only cooking required — this salad is simply perfect for picnics and potlucks. — Karla Walsh, CNN Money, 3 July 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