luncheon

noun

lun·​cheon ˈlən-chən How to pronounce luncheon (audio)
Synonyms of luncheonnext
: lunch
especially : a formal usually midday meal as part of a meeting or for entertaining a guest
a company luncheon
a fund-raising luncheon

Examples of luncheon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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.
The event as well as a luncheon the prior day in Santa Monica were rare displays of bipartisan unity at a time of heightened political polarization in the United States. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026 The group recently held Its annual fundraising luncheon, DigniTea, in Cupertino. — Sharon Chin, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 At a luncheon at the beach house of Jack’s brother-in-law Lawford in Santa Monica, Monroe was among the guests. — Laurence Leamer, Vanity Fair, 14 Oct. 2026 On Monday, Derrick Adams hosted a luncheon for his arts nonprofit, Charm City Cultural Cultivation, at Hav & Mar, the Chelsea seafood house by Food Network star and restaurateur Marcus Samuelsson. — Brianna J. Heath, Footwear News, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for luncheon

Word History

Etymology

perhaps alteration of nuncheon light snack, alteration of Middle English nonshench midday refreshment, from non noon + schench drink

First Known Use

circa 1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of luncheon was circa 1652

Phrases Containing luncheon

Rhymes for luncheon

See All Rhymes for luncheon

Browse Nearby Words

lunch counter
luncheon
luncheon bar
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Luncheon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/luncheon. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

luncheon

noun
lun·​cheon ˈlən-chən How to pronounce luncheon (audio)
: a light meal at midday
especially : a formal lunch

More from Merriam-Webster on luncheon

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for luncheon

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