hamburger

American  

[ham-bur-ger] / ˈhæmˌbɜr gər /

Also hamburg

noun

1. a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground or chopped beef, usually in a roll or bun, variously garnished.

2. ground or chopped beef.

3. Also called Hamburg steak.  a patty of ground or chopped beef, seasoned and fried or broiled.

4. Digital Technology. hamburger menu.

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hamburger British  

/ ˈhæmˌbɜːɡə /

noun

1. Also called: Hamburger steak.   beefburger.  a flat fried cake of minced beef, often served in a bread roll

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Etymology

Origin of hamburger

First recorded in 1880–85; short for Hamburger steak or Hamburg steak, a dish that originated in Hamburg, Germany, the port city from which many Germans emigrated to the United States, or in New York City and was made popular by immigrant Germans in the 19th century in Greater New York; see -er ¹

Explanation

A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of a cooked meat patty on a bun or roll. You can order a hamburger, fries, and a shake at most fast food restaurants. Hamburgers are traditionally made with ground beef and served with onions, tomatoes, lettuce, ketchup, and other garnishes. You can also make a hamburger with turkey or other kinds of meat — although rarely, if ever, is ham used in a hamburger. Hamburgers were originally called "hamburg steak," named for the German city of Hamburg, although no actual connection between the place and the food has ever been documented.

Example Sentences

Anne Hamburger, who succeeded Michael Greif in the role in 1999, served little more than a year before leaving to become an executive vice president of creative entertainment at the Walt Disney Co.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 18, 2025

“That is a hundred percent fine, your honor,” Gibson Dunn attorney Bradley Hamburger replied.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 14, 2025

Thus, Hamburger Helper is a deeply nostalgic grocery item for Gen Xers and older Millennials, holding a special place in the memory beside other delights that Mom used to make.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2025

These additions don’t necessarily work for every flavor of Hamburger Helper.

From Salon • Oct. 25, 2025

Dina plunks the skillet of Hamburger Helper on the trivet in the middle of the table and sits heavily in her chair.

From "Orphan Train" by Christina Baker Kline