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

Summertime is the best time for a Southern potluck full of dishes that take advantage of the season's vibrant bounty from farmers' markets, local farm stands, or even your own backyard. —Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 28 May 2026

The simple graham cracker crust and tangy cream cheese filling make a light, portable, make-ahead dessert that's great for potlucks and picnics. —Lizzy Briskin, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 May 2026

Celebrate America’s semiquincentennial with Silicon Valley Social Events, which is hosting a potluck near the golf course, followed by the fireworks display at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 27 May 2026

Homelessness is what happens when housing scarcity, addiction, mental illness, disorder and bureaucratic self-protection all attend the same policy potluck and nobody brings accountability. —Tracy Hernandez, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 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