Burger vs. Hamburger — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 12, 2023
A "Burger" is a patty of any grilled or fried filling, while a "Hamburger" specifically denotes a beef patty sandwiched in a bun.
Difference Between Burger and Hamburger
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The term "Burger" is universally recognized as a shorthand for any kind of patty sandwiched between two pieces of bread or bun, irrespective of its filling. Whether it’s made of vegetables, chicken, fish, or beef, it can be labeled a burger. In contrast, "Hamburger" is more specific, referring predominantly to a beef patty in a bun.
While "Hamburgers" have a clear historical link to the city of Hamburg in Germany, the term "Burger" has evolved in the culinary world to represent a myriad of fillings beyond beef. For instance, a chicken burger or a veggie burger clearly fall under the "Burger" category but not the "Hamburger" one.
Fast-food chains have popularized the term "Burger", and it's become synonymous with quick, hearty meals. While a "Hamburger" is a classic item on these menus, the broader "Burger" category allows for diverse offerings, catering to varying dietary preferences and restrictions.
In contemporary times, "Burger" also embraces unconventional and gourmet interpretations, from portobello mushroom burgers to those made with exotic meats. "Hamburger", with its beef-centric connotation, doesn’t encompass this extensive variety.
In essence, while every "Hamburger" is a "Burger", not every "Burger" is a "Hamburger". The distinction primarily lies in the specificity of the main ingredient: beef for "Hamburger" and virtually anything for "Burger".
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A patty between buns, regardless of filling
Specifically a beef patty between buns
Origin
General term, evolved from "Hamburger"
Derived from the city of Hamburg, Germany
Variations
Chicken burger, veggie burger, etc.
Mostly variations of beef preparation
Usage Context
Broad, includes any patty in a bun
Typically refers only to beef-based sandwiches
Versatility
Represents a wide range of ingredients & flavors
More narrow, centered on beef
Compare with Definitions
Burger
A sandwich with a patty of some sort between buns
I love a good tofu burger with spicy mayo.
Hamburger
Ground beef shaped for grilling and sandwiching
She grilled hamburgers for the summer BBQ.
Burger
Short for hamburger
He ordered a cheeseburger with all the fixings.
Hamburger
Typically made of beef but can have variations in seasoning
The spicy hamburger was a hit at the party.
Burger
Any ground meat or substitute shaped for sandwiching
She grilled a salmon burger for dinner.
Hamburger
A classic American fast-food item
No road trip is complete without a hamburger stop.
Burger
A fast-food icon often paired with fries
The burger joint down the street is always packed.
Hamburger
A hamburger (also burger for short) is a food, typically considered a sandwich, consisting of one or more cooked patties of ground meat, usually beef, placed inside a sliced bread roll or bun. The patty may be pan fried, grilled, smoked or flame broiled.
Burger
A flat round cake of minced beef that is fried or grilled and typically served in a bread roll; a hamburger.
Hamburger
A flat round cake of minced beef, fried or grilled and typically served in a bread roll garnished with various condiments.
Burger
A sandwich consisting of a bun, a cooked beef patty, and often other ingredients such as cheese, onion slices, lettuce, or condiments. Often used in combination
A cheeseburger.
Hamburger
Ground meat, usually beef.
Burger
A similar sandwich with a nonbeef filling. Often used in combination
A crab burger.
A tofu burger.
Hamburger
A patty of such meat.
Burger
(informal) A hamburger.
Hamburger
A sandwich made with a patty of ground meat usually in a roll or bun.
Burger
A similar sandwich or patty.
Hamburger
A hot sandwich consisting of a patty of cooked ground beef or a meat substitute, in a sliced bun, sometimes also containing salad vegetables, condiments, or both.
Burger
A stereotypical well-off Pakistani aspiring to a westernized lifestyle.
Hamburger
The patty used in such a sandwich.
Burger
An American.
Hamburger
(uncountable) Ground beef, especially that intended to be made into hamburgers.
Burger
Represents modern gourmet or unconventional fillings
The menu boasted an ostrich burger.
Hamburger
An animal or human, or the flesh thereof, that has been badly injured as a result of an accident or conflict.
The truck hit the deer and turned it into hamburger.
I'm going to make you into hamburger if you do that again.
Hamburger
(GUI) hamburger button
Hamburger
A fried cake of minced beef served on a bun
Hamburger
Beef that has been ground
Hamburger
A sandwich with a beef patty between buns
He prefers his hamburger with just ketchup and pickles.
Hamburger
Originating from the German city of Hamburg
The hamburger, despite its name, is an American fast-food staple.
Common Curiosities
Is "burger" an abbreviation of "hamburger"?
Yes, "burger" evolved as shorthand for "hamburger".
Why is it called a hamburger if it's made of beef?
The term originates from Hamburg, Germany, but the sandwich itself became popular in the U.S.
How did hamburgers become so popular in the U.S.?
Fast-food chains and American culture played a significant role in the hamburger's popularity.
Can a veggie sandwich be termed a hamburger?
No, "hamburger" specifically refers to beef; it would be a veggie burger.
Is a chicken sandwich a hamburger?
No, it would be termed a chicken burger.
Are all burgers made of meat?
No, burgers can be made of veggies, legumes, fungi, and other alternatives.
Why are there so many types of burgers now?
The term "burger" has evolved to represent diverse dietary preferences and innovations in food.
Are the terms "burger" and "hamburger" interchangeable?
While all hamburgers are burgers, not all burgers (like veggie or chicken) are hamburgers.
Is "burger" an American term?
While popularized in America, the term is understood and used internationally.
Can a hamburger be gourmet?
Yes, many restaurants offer gourmet versions with high-quality ingredients and unique flavors.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
