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

Those who flocked to Dawson Leery were the sort who spent their spare time at after-school club events and hamburger stands.

From Salon

The horrified look on Dad’s face when he realized he couldn’t afford our hamburgers and fries.

From Literature

The smell of something delicious floated through the air: the mouthwatering aroma of hamburgers.

From Literature

Dinner is hamburgers, French fries, red and green peppers, and rice with zucchini bits.

From Literature

In the parking lot outside Brother’s Keeper, hamburgers and hot dogs sizzled on the grill, and rice and beans cooked in big pots over a fire pit built with cinder blocks.

From Literature