Sausage refers to ground meat that has been mixed with spices. It is frequently, although not always, given a tubular shape by being wrapped in a thin membrane. It is also sold as patties and in bulk. The meat can come from any animal, but pork and turkey are the most common.

Sausages consist of fresh, cooked, or smoked ground meat that is lightly or strongly seasoned and usually stuffed into casings. Sausage meat is sometimes available loose. Many sausages are made from pork. Veal sausages such as bockwurst, beef, lamb, chicken, and duck sausages are also available.