potluck

[pot-luhk, -luhk]

noun

1. food or a meal that happens to be available without special preparation or purchase.

   to take potluck with a friend.

2. Also called potluck dinner,. Also called potluck lunch. Also called potluck supper,. a meal, especially for a large group, to which participants bring various foods to be shared.

3. whatever is available or comes one's way.

   With fluctuating interest rates, homebuyers are learning to take potluck with the banks.

Word History and Origins

Origin of potluck¹

First recorded in 1585–95; pot ¹ + luck

Idioms and Phrases

see take potluck.

Example Sentences

Each Friday, friends drove to Munger’s home for a potluck lunch, carrying chicken sandwiches with butter on soft white bread, the crusts sometimes removed.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

If you hate the thought of being alone, it’s not too late to invite a few people over for a casual potluck or after-party.

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The holiday season is a time of potluck gatherings.

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Whether you’re laying out a full spread at home or hauling a hard-won potluck contribution across town, its insulated design keeps hot food hot and chilled dishes cool.

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On New Year’s Day, Kate Sullivan threw a potluck for her neighbors.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• breakfast 
• brunch 
• dessert 
• dinner 
• fare 
• feast 
• lunch 
• luncheon 
• picnic 
• refreshment 
• snack 
• supper 
• table 
• tea