sandwich

1 of 2

noun

sand·​wich ˈsan(d)-ˌwich How to pronounce sandwich (audio)
ˈsam-;
 dialectal  ˈsaŋ-
1
a
: two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between
b
: one slice of bread covered with food
Have an open-faced sandwich, with one slice of bread instead of two, mustard instead of butter, and some vegetable sticks to munch on.Your Health & Fitness
2
: something resembling a sandwich
especially : composite structural material consisting of layers often of high-strength facings bonded to a low strength central core

sandwich

2 of 2

verb

sandwiched; sandwiching; sandwiches

transitive verb

1
: to make into or as if into a sandwich
especially : to insert or enclose between usually two things of another quality or character
2
: to make a place for
often used with in or between

Examples of sandwich in a Sentence

Noun I had a ham sandwich for lunch. a peanut butter and jelly sandwich Verb sandwiched six kids into the backseat somehow
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Several companies have issued recalls for whole cucumbers and cucumbers used in a range of sandwiches, salsas and other foods linked to the outbreak. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, Arkansas Online, 31 May 2025 In the press release marking the Grilled Cheese Cheeseburger, Wendy's Innovation Manager hinted that the sandwich might head south of the border. Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 30 May 2025
Verb
The entire town of Duck is as quaint as can be, but its waterfront boardwalk that’s sandwiched by a slew of inviting restaurants and boutiques on one side and peaceful boat docks on the other is the epitome of a perfect vacation scene. Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 1 June 2025 Lilo, itself, was sandwiched between hits Monsters Inc. and Finding Nemo. Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for sandwich

Word History

Etymology

Noun

John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich †1792 English diplomat

First Known Use

Noun

1762, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1861, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sandwich was in 1762

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sandwich.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sandwich. Accessed 6 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

sandwich

1 of 2 noun
sand·​wich ˈsan-(ˌ)(d)wich How to pronounce sandwich (audio)
1
: one or more slices of bread or a roll with a filling or spread
2
: something resembling a sandwich

sandwich

2 of 2 verb
1
: to insert between two or more things
2
: to make a place for : crowd
Etymology

Noun

named for John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, died 1792, English diplomat

Word Origin
John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, was famous in 18th century England as a powerful political figure. He was also known to be fond of playing cards. The story was told that he once spent an entire night at the card table. Instead of leaving the game to have dinner, he ordered that slices of meat be brought to him between two pieces of bread. In that way he could continue playing while he ate. This convenient type of food soon became popular throughout England. Because of the story about the Earl, it became known as the sandwich.

Geographical Definition

Sandwich

geographical name

Sand·​wich ˈsan(d)-(ˌ)wich How to pronounce Sandwich (audio)
town on the Stour River in Kent, southeastern England population 4600

More from Merriam-Webster on sandwich

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