Sandwich vs. Sub — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
A sandwich is a broad term for two pieces of bread with fillings in between, while a sub is a type of sandwich with a long roll, typically filled with meats, cheeses, and condiments.
Difference Between Sandwich and Sub
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A sandwich encompasses a wide variety of foods consisting of vegetables, meats, cheeses, and condiments placed between slices of bread. It is a versatile culinary concept, adaptable to countless combinations and cultural variations. In contrast, a sub (short for submarine sandwich) is specifically characterized by its long, cylindrical roll and is often filled with a combination of sliced meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces. The sub's distinctive shape and size set it apart from other sandwich types.
While sandwiches can be made with virtually any type of bread, from sliced bread to bagels, subs are traditionally made with a particular type of bread known as a sub roll or hoagie roll. This difference in bread type contributes to the sub's unique texture and flavor profile, distinguishing it from other sandwiches. On the other hand, the variety of bread used in sandwiches adds to their diversity, allowing for a wide range of tastes and textures.
Subs are often associated with Italian-American cuisine and are known for their generous fillings, including multiple types of meats and cheeses, as well as a variety of condiments and vegetables. Sandwiches, whereas, can range from simple combinations, like ham and cheese, to more elaborate creations with gourmet ingredients. This versatility makes sandwiches a universal food item, enjoyed in various forms around the world.
In terms of serving size, subs are typically larger and considered a meal in themselves, suitable for lunch or dinner. Sandwiches, on the other hand, vary greatly in size and can be suited for a quick snack, a light meal, or a filling dinner, depending on the ingredients used. This flexibility allows sandwiches to cater to a wide range of dietary needs and preferences.
The cultural significance of subs as a staple in American fast food and deli menus highlights their popularity and the role they play in casual dining. Sandwiches, while also popular, have a broader historical and cultural reach, with each culture having its own traditional versions and interpretations of what constitutes a sandwich.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Any filling between two pieces of bread.
A type of sandwich with a long roll and specific fillings.
Bread Type
Varied (sliced bread, bagels, etc.)
Long, cylindrical rolls (sub or hoagie rolls).
Fillings
Meats, cheeses, vegetables, condiments (varied).
Sliced meats, cheeses, vegetables, condiments (hearty).
Origin
Broad culinary concept.
Italian-American cuisine.
Serving Size
Can range from small to large.
Typically large, intended as a meal.
Cultural Reach
Universal, with variations across different cultures.
Strongly associated with American cuisine.
Compare with Definitions
Sandwich
A meal of two pieces of bread with fillings.
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich.
Sub
A long roll filled with meats and cheeses.
He ordered an Italian sub with extra peppers.
Sandwich
Versatile in ingredients.
He prefers a turkey and avocado sandwich.
Sub
Sometimes called a hoagie, hero, or grinder in different regions.
In Philadelphia, it's known as a hoagie.
Sandwich
Can be simple or gourmet.
The menu featured a lobster roll sandwich.
Sub
Known for being hearty and filling.
The foot-long sub is enough for two meals.
Sandwich
Common worldwide with regional variations.
The Cuban sandwich is popular in Florida.
Sub
Subs are often dressed with lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
She likes her sub with all the veggies.
Sandwich
Sandwiches can be hot or cold.
She made a grilled cheese sandwich.
Sub
Associated with fast food and delis.
The deli down the street makes the best roast beef sub.
Sandwich
A sandwich is a food typically consisting of vegetables, sliced cheese or meat, placed on or between slices of bread, or more generally any dish wherein bread serves as a container or wrapper for another food type. The sandwich began as a portable, convenient finger food in the Western world, though over time it has become prevalent worldwide.
Sub
A submarine
The yachtsman claimed his boat had been sunk by a sub
Sandwich
An item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling between them, eaten as a light meal
A ham sandwich
Sub
A subscription
The annual sub for the golf club will be £200
Sandwich
Relating to a sandwich course
The degree includes a sandwich year
Sub
A substitute, especially in a sporting team
The team pulled back with a goal from sub Chris Malkin
Sandwich
Insert or squeeze (someone or something) between two other people or things, typically in a restricted space or so as to be uncomfortable
The girl was sandwiched between two burly men in the back of the car
Sub
A subeditor
The chief sub would be responsible for the look of the paper
Sandwich
Two or more slices of bread with a filling such as meat or cheese placed between them.
Sub
An advance or loan against expected income
‘I've got no money.’ ‘Want a sub?’
Sandwich
A partly split long or round roll containing a filling.
Sub
Replace or be replaced; substitute
He subbed for Armstrong at some gigs
He got a lot of applause when he was subbed
Sandwich
One slice of bread covered with a filling.
Sub
Lend or advance a sum to (someone) against expected income
Who'll sub me till Thursday?
Sandwich
Something resembling a sandwich
She layered a scoop of vanilla ice cream between two cookies to create a sandwich.
Sub
Subedit
His copy was mercilessly subbed and rewritten
Sandwich
To insert (one thing) tightly between two other things often of differing character or quality. "She showed me her wedding band, which was sandwiched on the same finger between two prettier, fancier rings" (Dan Leone).
Sub
(Nautical) A submarine.
Sandwich
To collide with or crash into (a person, for example) with impacts on opposing sides
The quarterback passed the football just before he was sandwiched by two linebackers.
Sub
A submarine sandwich.
Sandwich
To make room or time for
Sandwiched a vacation between business trips.
Sub
A substitute.
Sandwich
A dish or foodstuff where at least one piece, but typically two or more pieces, of bread serve(s) as the wrapper or container of some other food.
Sub
To act as a substitute
A graduate student subbing for the professor.
Sandwich
Any combination formed by layering one type of material between two layers of some other material.
Sub
To put or use (a person or thing) as a substitute
The coach subbed fresh players toward the end of the game. The cook subbed oil for butter.
Sandwich
(UK) A layer cake or sandwich cake.
Sub
Usage Problem To replace; substitute
The player was subbed after she committed two errors. Sub the chicken with tofu to make the dish vegetarian. See Usage Note at substitute.
Sandwich
(archaic) A sandwichman one who wears a sandwich board.
Sub
A submarine.
Sandwich
To place one item physically between two other, usually flat, items.
Sub
A submarine sandwich: a sandwich made on a long bun.
We can get subs at that deli.
Sandwich
(figuratively) To put or set something between two others, in time.
Sub
(informal) A substitute, often in sports or teaching.
With the score 4 to 1, they brought in subs.
She worked as a sub until she got her teaching certificate.
Sandwich
To feed sandwiches.
Sub
A subscription: a payment made for membership of a club, etc.
Sandwich
To eat sandwiches.
Sub
A subtitle.
I've just noticed a mistake in the subs for this film.
Sandwich
(US) Of a meal or serving size that is smaller than a dinner. en
Sub
A subroutine (sometimes one that does not return a value, as distinguished from a function, which does).
Sandwich
Two pieces of bread and butter with a thin slice of meat, cheese, or the like, between them.
Sub
(colloquial) A subeditor.
Sandwich
To make into a sandwich; also, figuratively, to insert between portions of something dissimilar; to form of alternate parts or things, or alternating layers of a different nature; to interlard.
Sub
(colloquial) A subcontractor.
Sandwich
Two (or more) slices of bread with a filling between them
Sub
(slang) A subwoofer.
Sandwich
Make into a sandwich
Sub
A submissive.
Sandwich
Insert or squeeze tightly between two people or objects;
She was sandwiched in her airplane seat between two fat men
Sub
A subordinate.
Sub
A subaltern.
Sub
A subscription (or (by extension) a subscriber) to an online channel or feed.
I'm totally stoked; just got 10 new subs after my last video.
Sub
(colloquial) Subsistence money: part of a worker's wages paid before the work is finished.
Sub
(internet slang) subreddit
Sub
To substitute for.
Sub
To work as a substitute teacher, especially in primary and secondary education.
Sub
To replace (a player) with a substitute.
He never really made a contribution to the match, so it was no surprise when he was subbed at half time.
Sub
Less commonly, and often as sub on, to bring on (a player) as a substitute.
He was subbed on half way through the second half, and scored within minutes.
Sub
(British) To perform the work of a subeditor or copy editor; to subedit.
Sub
To subtitle (usually a film or television program).
Sub
To lend.
Sub
To subscribe.
Sub
(BDSM) To take a submissive role.
Sub
To coat with a layer of adhering material; to planarize by means of such a coating.
Sub
(microscopy) To prepare (a slide) with a layer of transparent substance to support and/or fix the sample.
Sub
Under.
Sub
A subordinate; a subaltern.
Sub
A shortened form of submarine, the boat.
Sub
A shortened form of submarine sandwich; also called hero, hero sandwich, and grinder.
Sub
A large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States
Sub
A submersible warship usually armed with torpedoes
Sub
Be a substitute;
The young teacher had to substitute for the sick colleague
The skim milk substitutes for cream--we are on a strict diet
Common Curiosities
What makes a sub different from other sandwiches?
Its long, cylindrical roll and generous, hearty fillings distinguish it from other types of sandwiches.
What is the most popular type of sandwich?
Popularity varies by region, but simple sandwiches like ham and cheese or peanut butter and jelly are universally beloved.
Why is it called a submarine sandwich?
The name is derived from the sandwich's long, narrow shape, resembling a submarine.
How do cultural variations influence sandwiches?
Cultural variations can influence the types of bread, fillings, and condiments used, resulting in a diverse range of sandwiches worldwide.
Are there vegetarian options for subs?
Yes, many places offer vegetarian subs filled with various cheeses, vegetables, and condiments.
Can any sandwich be called a sub?
No, the term "sub" specifically refers to sandwiches made with a certain type of long roll and filled with meats, cheeses, and other toppings.
Can subs be part of a balanced diet?
Yes, when made with a focus on lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables, subs can fit into a balanced diet.
Are subs always served hot?
Subs can be served hot or cold, depending on the fillings and personal preference.
What is a common filling for subs?
Common fillings include various sliced meats, cheeses, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and dressing.
How do you make a sub sandwich at home?
Start with a long roll, add your choice of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and condiments, then slice it in half to serve.
What is a hero sandwich?
A hero is another term for a sub, often used in New York, featuring similar long rolls filled with meats and cheeses.
Can sandwiches be considered healthy?
Sandwiches can be healthy or indulgent, depending on the choice of bread, fillings, and condiments.
What's the difference between a sub and a hoagie?
The terms are often used interchangeably, but some regions may distinguish between them based on specific ingredients or bread type.
What is the best bread for a sandwich?
The best bread depends on personal preference and the type of sandwich; options range from soft white bread to hearty whole grains.
Why do sandwiches vary so much in size and content?
Sandwiches vary widely due to cultural preferences, dietary restrictions, and personal tastes, making them a versatile food option.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
