noun Uncommon

Reuben

ROO-buhn

Quiz me More like this

Reuben (noun) means a grilled sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy dressing, usually on rye bread. Example: “He ordered a reuben with a side of fries.”

noun

A grilled sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy dressing, usually on rye bread.

"He ordered a reuben with a side of fries."

How to use Reuben

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA classic deli sandwich of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted cheese.

Common pairings

a reuben sandwich order a reuben

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like Reuben.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: Reubens

Test yourself on “Reuben” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

He ordered a _____ with a side of fries.

Etymology

The sandwich's exact origin is disputed, but it's widely linked to early 20th-century American delis and named after a customer or chef called Reuben.

· First attested 1900

Class of 1900 Reuben joined the language around 1900.

addictive Alfredo Alyssa antsy applesauce

See the full Class of 1900 →

Rhymes for Reuben

Ruben

See all rhymes for Reuben →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Reuben” mean?

The word “Reuben” means a grilled sandwich made with corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, and a creamy dressing, usually on rye bread. In plain terms, a classic deli sandwich of corned beef, sauerkraut, and melted cheese.

How do you pronounce “Reuben”?

“Reuben” is pronounced ROO-buhn (/ˈɹu.bən/ in IPA).

How do you use “Reuben” in a sentence?

Here is “Reuben” used in a sentence: “He ordered a reuben with a side of fries.”

What part of speech is “Reuben”?

“Reuben” is a noun.

Where does the word “Reuben” come from?

The word “Reuben” dates back to around 1900. The sandwich's exact origin is disputed, but it's widely linked to early 20th-century American delis and named after a customer or chef called Reuben.

Is “Reuben” a common word?

“Reuben” is an uncommon word in modern English.