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 bags are the perfect size for a day trip to the beach, packing up goodies for a picnic, bringing treats to a potluck, or even stopping by the grocery store.
—
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Block parties can include potlucks, barbecues, ice cream socials, outdoor games or any other activity that brings neighbors together.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 2 June 2025
With upcoming summer family gatherings, potlucks to attend, and last-minute friend get-togethers, an easy, no-fuss wardrobe is essential.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
The group’s monthly Mexican Train potluck and games continues at noon on the third Thursday each month at St. Albans Church, 490 Farragut Circle in El Cajon; bring a dish to share and $3.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potluck
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.
Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 June 2025
Block parties can include potlucks, barbecues, ice cream socials, outdoor games or any other activity that brings neighbors together.
—Anne Gelhaus, Mercury News, 2 June 2025
With upcoming summer family gatherings, potlucks to attend, and last-minute friend get-togethers, an easy, no-fuss wardrobe is essential.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 31 May 2025
The group’s monthly Mexican Train potluck and games continues at noon on the third Thursday each month at St. Albans Church, 490 Farragut Circle in El Cajon; bring a dish to share and $3.
—Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 29 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for potluck
Cite this Entry
“Potluck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potluck. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share