potluck

noun

pot·​luck ˈpät-ˈlək How to pronounce potluck (audio)
sense 1b also -ˌlək
Synonyms of potluck
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.
Kath bars would be the perfect sweet treat to bring to your next potluck or cookie swap—just be sure to share the recipe with anyone who asks. — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 July 2026 These cheesecake bars will be the star of the show at any summer potluck or Fourth of July party. — Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 4 July 2026 Pasta salad is a classic potluck dish or simple weeknight dinner. — Kate Williams, AJC.com, 29 June 2026 Below, Burke shares his best tips for making and sharing potluck desserts with your family, whoever that may be. — Melissa Kravitz Hoeffner, Martha Stewart, 30 June 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

Rhymes for potluck

See All Rhymes for potluck

Browse Nearby Words

pot liquor
potluck
potluck supper
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Potluck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potluck. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on potluck

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for potluck

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