Rachel

1 of 2

noun (1)

Ra·​chel ˈrā-chəl How to pronounce Rachel (audio)
: a wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin

Rachel

2 of 2

noun (2)

plural Rachels
: a grilled sandwich of Swiss cheese, coleslaw, and usually turkey often on rye bread
On a recent lunch date with my mom … I opted for the Rachel (a cousin of the Reuben, but with slaw instead of kraut and turkey instead of corned beef) and was not disappointed.—Caron Steibich
Lunch features … popular sandwiches such as Reubens and Rachels.—Patriot News (Harrisburg, Pennsylvania)
compare reuben entry 2

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

named as a pendant to the reuben entry 2 sandwich, probably after the children's song "Reuben and Rachel"

First Known Use

Noun (1)

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1965, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Rachel was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near Rachel

rach

Rachel

rachet

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Rachel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Rachel. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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