What does luncheon mean?
A luncheon is a midday meal, especially one arranged as a formal or ceremonial event. The word is used for meals involving businesspeople, officials, organizations, or invited guests, and it often appears in expressions such as a charity luncheon, a business luncheon, or a luncheon speech. Although its meaning overlaps with lunch, luncheon conveys greater formality and occasion. In older usage, it could also mean a light meal or refreshment served during the middle of the day. The word is still understandable and occasionally used in formal writing, but lunch remains the usual choice in everyday conversation. Its distinctive sound and slightly ceremonious character make it useful when describing an important or organized midday gathering rather than an ordinary meal.
nounA formal or ceremonial meal eaten at midday. The word is now chiefly formal or literary, though it can also refer generally to lunch.
- A formal or ceremonial meal eaten at midday.
- Less commonly, a light meal or refreshment taken at midday.
"The charity hosted a luncheon for local business leaders."
"Guests attended a luncheon honoring the retiring professor."
"The magazine published the governor's remarks from the annual luncheon."
Used when referring to multiple formal midday meals or events.
"The organization hosts luncheons throughout the year."
A luncheon is lunch with a seal of approval: the same midday meal, but dressed for a business meeting or a formal gathering.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does luncheon come from?
Luncheon developed as an alteration of the older word lunch. The earlier word had referred to a light midday meal or refreshment, while luncheon gradually became associated with a more formal midday meal. The form reflects the influence of French usage and the tendency in English to vary formal and informal vocabulary, although the precise historical sequence is not entirely straightforward.
How luncheon is actually used
Luncheon sounds formal and is especially common in invitations, announcements, and the names of organized meals. In ordinary conversation, lunch is more natural. In some historical contexts, the word referred more broadly to a light midday meal or refreshment.
Easily confused with luncheon
Lunch is the ordinary everyday term for a midday meal, whereas luncheon is more formal and often suggests a scheduled or ceremonial occasion.