Hamburger Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hamburger

[หˆhรฆmหŒbษœหrษกษ™r ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fast food

A hamburger is a sandwich consisting of a cooked patty of ground meat usually placed inside a sliced bread roll. It is typically served with various toppings such as lettuce, tomato, cheese, pickles, and condiments like ketchup and mustard.

Synonyms

beefburger, burger, cheeseburger.

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Word Description / Examples
hamburger

Already described in the first entry as it is repeated here.

burger

A general, shortened term for hamburger, encompassing a variety of types including beef, chicken, veggie, etc. Used casually in everyday conversation.

  • Let's grab a burger for lunch.
  • They have an extensive burger menu, from classic beef to quinoa.
cheeseburger

A hamburger that includes one or more slices of cheese. Commonly seen in both fast food and gourmet settings.

  • Iโ€™ll have a cheeseburger with Swiss cheese, please.
  • Cheeseburgers are often more flavorful because of the melted cheese.
beefburger

Specifically refers to a hamburger made with beef. Often used to emphasize the type of meat, distinguishing it from other types of burgers like chicken or veggie.

  • She prefers a beefburger over a chicken burger.
  • The restaurant's signature beefburger is seasoned with special spices.

Examples of usage

  • I ordered a hamburger with extra cheese and fries.
  • She decided to make a homemade hamburger for dinner.
  • The restaurant's specialty is a double patty hamburger with bacon.
  • The classic hamburger has been a popular choice for lunch for decades.
  • Do you prefer your hamburger with or without onions?

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Often seen as a symbol of American culture, hamburgers are a staple at barbecues and fast-food restaurants.
  • The first fast-food hamburger chain, White Castle, opened in 1921, popularizing the quick-serve burger model.
  • National Hamburger Day is celebrated on May 28th in the United States, honoring this beloved food.

Nutrition

  • A typical hamburger can provide a good source of protein, iron, and B vitamins, depending on the meat used.
  • The popularity of plant-based burgers has risen, offering healthier options for those who prefer not to eat meat.
  • Toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions can enhance nutritional value by adding fiber and vitamins.

Global Variations

  • Many countries have their unique take on the hamburger: in Japan, they have teriyaki burgers; in India, veggie patties are popular.
  • In Australia, you might find beets as a common topping, adding a sweet flavor to burgers.
  • Germany has a variant called 'Frikadelle,' which is a seasoned meat patty, often enjoyed in a similar manner to hamburgers.

Popular Culture

  • The hamburger has made its mark in movies and TV, being featured in iconic films like 'Pulp Fiction' and the classic 'Burgers of New York.'
  • Famous for its appearance in animated shows, beloved characters such as SpongeBob SquarePants have made the Krabby Patty legendary.
  • In 2015, the first 'World Hamburger Championship' took place in the United States, celebrating creativity in burger-making.

Origin of 'hamburger'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hamburger' comes from Hamburg, Germany, where a similar sandwich was created.
  • The name was first documented in America in the late 19th century, navigating through German immigrantsโ€™ influences.
  • Originally, it referred to a method of cooking meat rather than the sandwich itself.

The term 'hamburger' originated in Hamburg, Germany, where beef from Hamburg cows was minced and shaped into patties to make a dish called 'Hamburg steak.' In the 19th century, German immigrants brought this dish to the United States, where it evolved into the modern hamburger as we know it today. The hamburger gained popularity during the 20th century and became a staple in fast food culture.


See also: ham, hamlet.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,817, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.