sandwich

1 of 2

noun

sand·​wich ˈsan(d)-ˌwich 

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

Synonyms of sandwich

Verb

• stuff
• cram
• squeeze
• wedge
• jam
• load
• pack

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

Noun

Weekend brunch is also a main event, pulling locals, bridal parties, out-of-towners, and visiting delegates; the decadent breakfast sandwich alone is worth the trip. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 9 Sep. 2026

The first 50 customers in line will receive a voucher for one free biscuit sandwich a week for a year, according to Westar’s release. — Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026

Verb

The team created a lightweight metastructure by 3D-printing arrays of hollow aluminum eggshells and sandwiching them between two metal impact plates. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026

And his next start will probably come against the Phillies again, sandwiched in between Sale, whom Weiss said will pitch in the series opener Friday at Truist Park, and Mahle. — Jesús Cano, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

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

Phrases Containing sandwich

• club sandwich
• Cuban sandwich
• Denver sandwich
• French dip sandwich
• grilled-cheese sandwich
• hero sandwich
• Italian sandwich
• Monte Cristo sandwich
• open-faced sandwich
• open-face sandwich
• open sandwich
• sandwich board
• sandwich coin
• sandwich course
• sandwich generation
• sandwich man
• western sandwich

Kids Definition

sandwich

1 of 2 noun

sand·​wich ˈsan-(ˌ)(d)wich 

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 

town on the Stour River in Kent, southeastern England