hamburger

[ ham-bur-ger ]

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 Ham·burg steak [ham, -burg steyk]. a patty of ground or chopped beef, seasoned and fried or broiled.
4. Digital Technology. hamburger menu.

hamburger

/ ˈhæmˌbɜːɡə /

noun

1. a flat fried cake of minced beef, often served in a bread roll Also calledHamburger steakbeefburger

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamburger¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hamburger¹

C20: shortened from Hamburger steak (that is, steak in the fashion of Hamburg )

Example Sentences

Popular for decades as a street food, America's proudest culinary invention – the hamburger – debuted at the St. Louis World's Fair in 1904 alongside other novelties such as Dr. Pepper and ice cream.

From Salon

“That would mean you’re undercooking hamburger in multiple locations,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

“Most people in this outbreak are reporting eating the Quarter Pounder hamburger at McDonald’s before becoming sick,” the alert read.

From Salon

Most of the people infected reported eating a McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburger prior to becoming ill.

From Los Angeles Times

Bell eventually lost his hamburger stand in a divorce — but not his dream to become a millionaire off Mexican food.

From Los Angeles Times