sandwich
/ˈsændwɪtʃ/
noun
Origin
English
Sandwich — The Fourth Earl of Sandwich, John Montagu
Overview
Meaning Now
- Two or more slices of bread or a split roll having a filling in between.
- Anything resembling a sandwich in structure, typically involving a filling between two outer layers.
Language path
Old English → Middle English → Modern English
Earliest form
sandwich
Earliest period
18th century
Journey
The term is derived from John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich. Popular legend claims he requested meat served between two slices of bread so that he could eat while playing cards without getting his fingers greasy, though it is more likely he consumed the meal while working at his desk.
Evolution
- Old English
Sandwic
“Sandy harbor (the place name)”
Town in Kent, England.
- 18th century
sandwich
“Meat between bread slices”
Named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich (1718–1792).
Connections
Word parts
Sandwich
root
Proper noun referring to the Earl of Sandwich
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Related to sandwich
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.