farewell lunch

USAGE SUMMARY

"farewell lunch" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when someone is leaving a job or group and the employer or others are organizing a lunch in the person's honor. For example, "The company threw a farewell lunch for Jennifer to celebrate her accomplishments before she left for a new job."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

At a farewell lunch before graduation, she makes a disparaging reference to "the elite".

The New York Times - Books

Vince Cable has just hosted a farewell lunch for the former staff of his constituency office.

The Guardian

At a farewell lunch at Tate Modern last Tuesday, Serota joked that he might decide to stay on.

The Guardian

After 47 years at sea, the Commodore is retiring at 63. Reporter had a farewell lunch with him on board the Elizabeth.

The New Yorker

"We want to get our fill before it's gone," said Terrance L. Stinnett, a lawyer from Alamo, Calif., who attended a farewell lunch here recently.

The New York Times - Food

I had offered to buy my houseman and his cousin a farewell lunch, but when we arrived at a kebab shop, I was in a grim mood.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He reopened on Sept. 20 for a brief, bittersweet season of farewells: lunch on Thursday and Friday, dinner on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, one seating only, and just those 12 tables in the front room.

The New York Times

At a farewell family lunch before he flew to Atlanta, Banks cracked up the table with jokes.

The New York Times - Sports

In fact, farewells after lunch were unexpectedly cut short by an incoming call from Putin.

The Guardian

The Farewell to Foie Gras lunch celebrated the rogue delicacy with a five-course meal dedicated to foie gras, presented by chefs from around the country.

Huffington Post

"Then, I think we'd have a real crack," Pulver said at a lunch to farewell the Wallabies to the 2015 World Cup in Britain.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When organizing a "farewell lunch", clearly state the purpose in the invitation to avoid any confusion. For example: "Join us for John's farewell lunch."

Common error

Avoid using "farewell lunch" in situations that are not related to someone leaving. Use celebratory phrases like "congratulatory lunch" instead if the lunch is to celebrate an achievement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "farewell lunch" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a specific type of event: a lunch organized to say goodbye to someone. Ludwig AI validates its correct and understandable use.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "farewell lunch" refers to a meal held to bid someone goodbye, as confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis. It functions as a noun phrase with a neutral register, fitting both professional and casual settings. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources. While alternatives like "goodbye luncheon" offer varying degrees of formality, clarity in invitations prevents misinterpretations. Be sure to reserve the expression for genuine departures to avoid contextual misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

going-away lunch

Informal and common, emphasizing the reason for the event.

send-off lunch

Focuses on the act of sending someone off, highlighting the occasion.

goodbye luncheon

Formal alternative, emphasizing the formal nature of the event.

departure lunch

Directly relates the lunch to the act of departing or leaving.

leaving do at lunch

British English alternative emphasizing the party aspect during lunch.

so long lunch

Informal alternative, emphasizing the casual nature of the event.

valedictory lunch

More formal and less common, stressing a final expression of farewell.

adieu lunch

Uses a French term for farewell, adding a touch of elegance.

au revoir lunch

Another French alternative adding a touch of cosmopolitan flair.

retirement lunch

Specific to retirement situations, clarifying the reason for farewell.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a "farewell lunch"?

A "farewell lunch" is typically organized to bid goodbye to a colleague, friend, or acquaintance who is leaving a job, moving away, or embarking on a new journey.

What are some alternatives to saying "farewell lunch"?

You can use alternatives like "goodbye luncheon", "send-off lunch", or "going-away lunch" depending on the context.

Is "farewell lunch" formal or informal?

The term "farewell lunch" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more formal alternatives like goodbye luncheon exist for very formal occasions.

How to organize a successful "farewell lunch"?

Consider the preferences of the person leaving, choose a convenient location, invite relevant colleagues or friends, and perhaps include a small speech or gift to make it memorable.