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

The home games blend a college football atmosphere with a potluck. —Chris Dorsey, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2024

Also potluck lunch, socializing, fossil hunting and camping. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 26 Dec. 2024

This extra rich and decadent recipe is easy to make and great for potlucks, bake sales, or birthday parties. —Patricia S York, Southern Living, 26 Dec. 2024

But the next issue was how guests were going to enjoy the soups at the potluck party. —Erica Lamberg, Fox News, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1592, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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