luncheon

noun

lun·​cheon ˈlən-chən 

: lunch

especially : a formal usually midday meal as part of a meeting or for entertaining a guest

a company luncheon

a fund-raising luncheon

Examples of luncheon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The official pre-Oscars nomination celebration and the annual class photo are generally held during a glam Beverly Hills Hilton luncheon, which was rescheduled to the dinner at the Academy's Museum of Motion Pictures due to the devastating January Los Angeles wildfires. —Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY, 27 Feb. 2025

Fashion Show: Newcomers of Central Florida’s spring luncheon features club members modeling Dillard’s styles and accessories. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2025

The simple combination of cream of chicken soup, chicken, buttery crackers, and poppy seeds has been a favorite at luncheons and events since practically the dawn of time. —Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2025

Ian McKellen Academy Award nominee Sir Ian McKellen arrives for the annual Oscar nominees luncheon 08 March in Beverly Hills. —Emma Specter, Vogue, 19 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of nuncheon light snack, alteration of Middle English nonshench midday refreshment, from non noon + schench drink

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing luncheon

• luncheon meat
• pre-luncheon

Rhymes for luncheon

• truncheon

Kids Definition

luncheon

noun

lun·​cheon ˈlən-chən 

: a light meal at midday

especially : a formal lunch