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

While sharing food in a communal setting transcends seasons, potlucks especially thrive during the warmer months, when there’s a greater desire for community and outdoor gatherings.

From Salon

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.

From Los Angeles Times

She reminisced about the potlucks the women would throw to mark holidays.

From Los Angeles Times

“What we lack in restaurant culture we make up in potlucks and dinner parties, and with that comes family recipes that have been made for generations,” Yeh said.

From Salon

It shows up at Easter or maybe at a spring potluck, often slightly too sweet and overloaded with nuts or raisins.

From Salon

Related Words

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