WordGarden.iopotluck
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /pˈɒtlʌk/
US
- /ˈpɑtˌlək/
Meanings
Noun
a communal meal where each guest brings food to share
Beyond the definition
A potluck is a gathering where each guest brings a dish of food to share with everyone. It's a casual and friendly way to enjoy a meal together, often seen at picnics, church socials, office parties, or neighborhood get-togethers. Imagine a table full of casseroles, salads, and desserts, all made by different people. The name comes from the old phrase "luck of the pot," which suggests eating whatever food is available.
Think of it like this: instead of one person doing all the cooking, everyone helps. It's about community and sharing. Sometimes these meals have a theme, such as favorite summer dishes or foods from different family traditions. A successful potluck is not just about the food; it's also about the pleasure of contributing and spending time together.
A potluck is a social gathering where attendees each contribute a dish of food to be shared among the group. It is more than just a meal; it is an act of communal generosity, a celebration of culinary diversity, and a way to build connections through shared effort. Historically, the term dates back to the 16th century, referring to the "luck of the pot"—the food available for an unexpected guest, for whom no special preparations had been made.
Over time, the word came to describe the kind of shared meal many people know today. You might attend one at a workplace holiday party, a neighborhood block party, a school event, a church gathering, or even during a camping trip. The dishes can range from simple side salads to elaborate main courses and rich desserts. A well-organized potluck often involves a sign-up sheet so there are not too many duplicates and the meal feels balanced.
While "potluck" is most commonly associated with food, it can also describe a situation where you take a chance on whatever is available. To "take potluck" means to accept whatever is offered or happens to be there at the time. However, the most frequent usage remains firmly rooted in the joyful tradition of sharing a meal with friends and neighbors, where each person brings their own special contribution to the table. So, the next time you're invited to a potluck, bring your best dish and prepare for a feast!
Examples
- 1
Workplace
We're having a potluck after work on Friday.
- 2
What to bring
Can you bring a salad or dessert to the potluck?
- 3
School event
The school sent out a sign-up sheet for the potluck dinner.
- 4
Neighborhood gathering
Our neighbors host a summer potluck every year in the park.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Party planning
We kept the party potluck, so no one person had to cook everything.
See also
Similar
- bring-and-share meal
- covered-dish supper
- pitch-in dinner
Shades of meaning
- communal meal
- buffet
Contrast
- catered meal
- dinner party
Used with (collocations)
- potluck dinner
- potluck lunch
- bring a dish to a potluck
- office potluck
Explore
- food sharing
- community meal
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- potlucknoun
Forms
- potluckspluralnoun