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; -er ¹

Example Sentences

Beyond Meat, the El Segundo pioneer of plant-based hamburger patties, saw its stock collapse this week after it finalized a deal to reduce its debt.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

Back in the spring, he says, "a hamburger cost 5m rials. It is now 12m. The numbers are just incomprehensible".

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2026

While flying to a campaign event, according to Gruters, Trump consumed french fries, a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger, a Big Mac and a Filet-O-Fish.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 1, 2026

About two weeks later, still unaware that he had developed the meat allergy, he attended a barbeque and ate a hamburger.

From Science Daily • Dec. 17, 2025

“I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today ” said Wimpy. vegan.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner