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

I became the dependable participant at potlucks, arriving with two or three dishes to ensure there was something good on the table.

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They’ll do a cultural potluck but not change their hiring practices.

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Once unpacked from their toolboxes and Tupperware, the supplies lay like a potluck spread, free for the taking.

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This week, I’m shifting my attention to potlucks.

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As a girl, Meester did local theater in Marco Island, Fla. The only stage in town was a church, so the venue moonlighted as the host of Girl Scout meetings, potluck dinners and local productions.

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Related Words

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