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
The method is so approachable, there is no reason why this can't be your go-to for a potluck or family gathering.
—
Patricia S York, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Also potluck lunch, socializing, fossil hunting and camping.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2025
Congregation members brought tables full of food for a potluck after mass.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
If you're headed to a summer BBQ or potluck, bring a tray of these Million Dollar Chocolate Chip Cookies.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for potluck
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Patricia S York, Southern Living, 2 Aug. 2025
Also potluck lunch, socializing, fossil hunting and camping.
—Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 July 2025
Congregation members brought tables full of food for a potluck after mass.
—Anna Ortiz, Chicago Tribune, 30 July 2025
If you're headed to a summer BBQ or potluck, bring a tray of these Million Dollar Chocolate Chip Cookies.
—Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 30 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for potluck
Cite this Entry
“Potluck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potluck. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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