1
a
: a force that brings good fortune or adversity
Luck was a big factor in the outcome.
b
: the events or circumstances that operate for or against an individual
The loser muttered something about bad luck.
2
: favoring chance
lucked; lucking; lucks
1
: to prosper or succeed especially through chance or good fortune
—usually used with out
the hero lucks out and is able to escape
2
: to come upon something desirable by chance
—usually used with out, on, onto, or into
lucked into a wonderful opportunity
Examples of luck in a Sentence
Noun
We had good luck fishing.
He's been having nothing but bad luck.
He succeeded through hard work and a little luck.
We need a bit of luck.
By a stroke of luck, there were still a few tickets left when we arrived.
“I've been looking for a new apartment.” “Any luck?” “No, not yet.”
I've had no luck in finding a new apartment.
He had no better luck than I did.
Recent Examples on the Web
Steph Wagner, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
Start the new year off on the right foot with a traditional Southern recipe that promises to bring luck and prosperity in the days ahead.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Will better luck be enough to power the Chiefs into the postseason?
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luck
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Noun
Whether helping a friend in need, contributing to a worthy cause, or lending a hand to a stranger down on their luck, the Giver is always there.
—Steph Wagner, CNBC, 1 Jan. 2026
Start the new year off on the right foot with a traditional Southern recipe that promises to bring luck and prosperity in the days ahead.
—Nellah Bailey McGough, Southern Living, 1 Jan. 2026
Verb
She's joined Prince William in multiple videos shared on social media to wish the Lionesses luck ahead of a big game.
—Stephanie Petit, PEOPLE, 16 Dec. 2025
Will better luck be enough to power the Chiefs into the postseason?
—Jacob Camenker, USA Today, 7 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for luck
Cite this Entry
“Luck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luck. Accessed 3 Jan. 2026.
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