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 potluck supper,. 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

This event is a potluck event, but guests who cannot bring an item are encouraged to still attend the event.

From Washington Blade

The pairs got together monthly to work on projects, have potlucks with the children and their parents and go on field trips.

From Voice of San Diego

In 2019, the first year Dream of Wild Health had a dedicated seed regeneration team, Jessika Greendeer stepped into the heirloom garden and plucked a squash for a potluck.

From Popular-Science

He also managed to marry Daniela and start a family with her in California, where we continue our Orphan’s potluck tradition to this day.

From Eater

I decided that the best way is to have y’all over for a potluck picnic here at my house, anytime between noon and 4 on Saturday, July 3.

From Washington Post

He loved that idea, and suggested a potluck dinner of sushi and strawberry smoothies and readings from our favorite books.

From The Daily Beast

So, offer to bring a gorgeous pie (or cobbler, crisp, crumble, tart, compote or charlotte) to your next potluck invite.

From The Daily Beast

Him that draws most of the potluck in this world is the same that drops most in.

From Project Gutenberg

Declining reluctantly an invitation to take potluck with my host, I was soon in the Avenue of the Sphinx again.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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