Reuben

1 of 3

noun (1)

Reu·​ben ˈrü-bən 

: a son of Jacob and the traditional eponymous ancestor of one of the tribes of Israel

Reuben

2 of 3

noun (2)

plural Reubens

: a grilled sandwich of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut usually on rye bread compare rachel entry 2

Reuben

3 of 3

noun (3)

: a statuette awarded annually by a professional organization for notable achievement in cartoon artistry

Examples of Reuben in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The Saleh who ran a defense with Solomon Thomas at defensive tackle and Reuben Foster at linebacker wasn’t nearly as good as the one who got Warner as a third-round draft pick in 2018 and Bosa as the second pick in the draft the following year. —Jerry McDonald, The Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2025

Yum! What to order: Get the Reuben, served with your choice of side for $11.70. —Melissa Oyler, Charlotte Observer, 24 Jan. 2025

Starters: Reuben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor at defensive end, and Louisiana Tech transfer Blay at one defensive tackle spot. —Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 22 Jan. 2025

The menu at 54th Street includes ribs, rattlesnake pasta, filet mignon, salmon, chicken tenders, a Reuben sandwich and more. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Hebrew Rĕ'ūbhēn

Noun (2)

probably from Reuben Kulakofsky †1960 American grocer

Noun (3)

Reuben L. Goldberg †1970 American cartoonist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1956, in the meaning defined above

Noun (3)

1958, in the meaning defined above