Rachel

noun

plural Rachels
: a grilled sandwich of Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and usually turkey often on rye bread
On a recent lunch date with my mom … I opted for the Rachel (a cousin of the Reuben, but with slaw instead of kraut and turkey instead of corned beef) and was not disappointed.Caron Steibich
Lunch features … popular sandwiches such as Reubens and Rachels.Patriot News (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
compare reuben entry 2

Word History

Etymology

named as a pendant to the reuben entry 2 sandwich, probably after the children's song "Reuben and Rachel"

First Known Use

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Rachel was in 1965

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Rachel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rachel. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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