Definition

1. Noun:
   • A formal or somewhat formal midday meal: "luncheon" refers specifically to a lunch, particularly one that is arranged for a group, has a degree of formality, or is a social event. It is a more formal synonym for "lunch."

Usage

• "Luncheon" is used as a countable noun. It often implies an event rather than just the food itself.
• It is commonly seen in invitations, event schedules, and formal announcements (e.g., "a charity luncheon," "the annual awards luncheon").
• In everyday, informal speech, "lunch" is far more common. "Luncheon" can sound slightly old-fashioned or deliberately formal.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The conference schedule includes a keynote speech followed by a luncheon for all attendees.
  • She was invited to a fundraising luncheon at the country club.
  • The committee held a working luncheon to discuss the new proposal.

Advanced Usage

• "Luncheon meat": This is a specific compound term for a type of canned, precooked meat product, often made from pork.
  • He made a sandwich with luncheon meat and cheese.
• "Luncheon voucher": (Chiefly British) A ticket or coupon provided by an employer that can be exchanged for food at certain restaurants.
  • Her job includes a small salary supplement in the form of luncheon vouchers.

Variants and Related Words

• Lunch (n & v): The standard, more common word for a midday meal.
  • Let's have lunch at 1 p.m.
• Luncheonette (n): A small, often simple restaurant serving light lunches.
  • We stopped at an old-fashioned luncheonette for a sandwich.

Synonyms

• Lunch: The direct and most common synonym.
• Midday meal: A descriptive synonym.
• Repast (formal): A meal.

Antonyms

• Dinner: The main evening meal.
• Breakfast: The first meal of the day.
• Supper: A light evening meal.

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• No specific idioms use "luncheon" alone. The word itself often functions within formal event titles or descriptions, such as "ladies' luncheon" or "business luncheon."

Noun

1. a midday meal