luncheon

Meanings

1. 1nouncountableformalold-fashioned

   A formal or organized midday meal, often for a group or special occasion.

   Grammar: Takes a: a luncheon, several luncheons.

   Patterns

   • a luncheon for someone
   • a luncheon at a place

   The mayor hosted a luncheon for local business owners.

   The charity held its annual luncheon at the hotel.

   Guests dressed neatly for the luncheon.

2. 2nouncountable or uncountableold-fashioned

   A light meal eaten in the middle of the day, in an old-fashioned or polite style.

   Grammar: Rare in everyday speech; plain lunch is much more usual.

   Patterns

   • luncheon meat

   Cold chicken and salad were served for luncheon.

   The old cafe still advertises luncheon specials.

   Grandma preferred to call lunch luncheon.

Word forms

Common combinations

charity luncheon

The charity luncheon raised money for the hospital.

hold a luncheon

The club holds a luncheon every spring.

luncheon meat

The sandwich contained luncheon meat and pickles.

business luncheon

He had to attend a business luncheon.

ladies' luncheon

She organized the ladies' luncheon.

Synonyms and how they differ

lunch

Lunch is the normal everyday word, while luncheon sounds more formal and is mainly used for organized events.

midday meal

Midday meal is neutral and descriptive but rarely used for a special event.

banquet

Banquet suggests a large, elaborate meal for many guests and may be in the evening, whereas luncheon is smaller and at midday.

brunch

Brunch is a relaxed late-morning meal that combines breakfast and lunch.

Word family

lunch noun

the ordinary midday meal

lunch verb

to eat lunch

luncheonette noun

a small American restaurant serving light meals

Commonly confused: luncheon or lunch? luncheon or dinner?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “luncheon”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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