If you can go to this site http://www.thefreedictionary.com/potluck You can find these 3 definitions of potluck. The third example is the one that is most encountered. 1. Whatever food happens to be available for a meal, especially when offered to a guest: Having arrived unannounced for supper, we had to take potluck. 2. A meal at which each guest brings food that is then shared by all. Also called potluck supper. 3. Whatever is available at a particular time: The scheduled flight was canceled and passengers had to take potluck on the other airlines.