# burger

/ˈbɝɡɝ/ (US) · /bˈɜːɡɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/burger
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. the food

noun · CEFR A1

a flat, round piece of meat or vegetables that is cooked and served in a bread roll.

For teachers: a patty of minced meat or a vegetarian equivalent, typically grilled or fried and served in a bun with various toppings.

- I ordered a cheese burger with a side of fries for lunch.
- The restaurant specializes in gourmet burgers made from locally sourced beef and topped with artisanal cheeses.

### 2. any sandwich in a bun

noun · CEFR B1 · British English · Dialect

in some countries, any sandwich served in a round bun, even if it is just a piece of chicken.

For teachers: a broader classification in British, Australian, and Indian English for any hot sandwich served in a bun, regardless of whether the filling is a ground patty.

- He decided to have a spicy chicken burger instead of a beef one.
- While North Americans might call it a chicken sandwich, most people in the UK would refer to it as a chicken burger if it comes in a round bun.

### 3. westernized person

noun · CEFR C1 · Slang · Dialect

a person from a wealthy family who tries to act like they are from a Western country.

For teachers: a derogatory slang term used to describe a wealthy, upper-class individual who adopts Western habits and speech patterns.

- The local kids called him a burger because he only spoke English and ate at expensive cafes.
- The term burger is frequently used in social commentary to critique the disconnect between the westernized elite and the rest of the population.

Usage: Primarily used in Pakistan to describe the urban elite.

Teaching tip: This is a highly specific regional slang term; learners should be aware of its negative tone before using it.

## Examples

- I want a cheese burger for lunch.
- The restaurant is famous for its giant burger served with a side of crispy fries and a milkshake.
- While traditionalists insist on pure ground beef, many modern chefs experiment with gourmet burger variations featuring wagyu beef, truffle aioli, and artisanal brioche buns.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.