basket dinner

noun

, Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.

1. a group social gathering, as of church members, to which participants contribute casseroles or other dishes to share.

Word History and Origins

Origin of basket dinner¹

An Americanism dating back to 1890–95

Example Sentences

You either bring your own food or buy a picnic basket dinner catered by Patina through the Diner en Blanc website, to pick up at the event.

From Los Angeles Times

One couple married in 1880 and had 16 children, 12 of whom lived to attend their parents’ 50th anniversary “basket dinner.”

From Washington Times

It may be found practicable to call a general meeting of the entire neighborhood, inviting old and young possibly to a basket dinner, and there to lay before them the plans of the organizations.

From Project Gutenberg

On different days we received a basket dinner, a watermelon feast and an ice cream and cake festival from them.

From Project Gutenberg

Every year on the first Sunday of September folks come from far and near here to Big Creek and bring their basket dinner.”

From Project Gutenberg