bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl 

plural bagels

1

: a firm doughnut-shaped roll traditionally made by boiling and then baking

2

[from the resemblance of a bagel to the zero in the score of such a set] tennis, slang : a set (see set entry 2 sense 15) in which one player or team wins every game

They were never in danger of losing, taking a 5-1 lead in the first set and registering a bagel in the second.

—Mike McGovern

Examples of bagel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This smart toaster is designed to evenly toast bagels, bread, waffles and more from edge to edge, delivering a crisp exterior while keeping the inside soft. —Tory Johnson, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026

The extra-long, wide slot easily accommodates artisan breads, sourdough, bagels, waffles, and more with automatic self-centering to ensure even browning. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 Apr. 2026

Homemade pizza bagels can be a quick and easy meal or snack. —Cody Godwin, USA Today, 9 Apr. 2026

When my older kids get off the bus in the afternoon and ask to help braid or brush the dough with egg yolk or shake on some everything but the bagel seasoning. —Risa Polansky Shiman, Sun Sentinel, 8 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish beygl, from Middle High German *böugel ring, from bouc ring, from Old High German; akin to Old English bēag ring, būgan to bend — more at bow

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl 

: a firm doughnut-shaped roll