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
These dishes are meant to be shared — with company at home, at a potluck or with a neighbor in need.
—
The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 2026
This potato salad looks just like your classic barbecue or potluck dish (and tastes pretty similar too).
—Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 12 Jan. 2026
Host a low-key gathering—like a soup potluck, movie nights, or craft circles.
—Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 11 Jan. 2026
At that point, Bridget informed her that there was a change of plans and there would not be a potluck meal, just dessert.
—Judith Martin, Sun Sentinel, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for potluck
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Cite this Entry
“Potluck.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/potluck. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Kids 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
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