potluck

noun

pot·​luck ˈpät-ˈlək How to pronounce potluck (audio)
sense 1b also -ˌlək
Synonyms of potlucknext
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The America250 Utah website outlines each of the states participating in the potluck, and folks interested in hosting one can sign up online. Nicole Fallert, USA Today, 15 May 2026 This Tex-Mex dish is a familiar face at our parties and potlucks. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 13 May 2026 Again, the labor market seems to be less of a Hunger Games, and more like a potluck. Greg Rosalsky, NPR, 12 May 2026 Combine two potluck staples to create this yummy potluck salad. Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 5 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for potluck

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of potluck was in 1592

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potluck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potluck. Accessed 20 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

potluck

noun
pot·​luck ˈpät-ˈlək How to pronounce potluck (audio)
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

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