pretzel

noun

pret·​zel ˈpret-səl 

: a brittle or chewy glazed usually salted slender bread often shaped like a loose knot

Examples of pretzel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The fifth-generation baker studied in German bakeries and spent decades perfecting his pretzels. —Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024

The Chicago location offers multiple popcorn options (butter, truffle herb parmesan and churro flavors), chips and queso, soft pretzels, mozzarella sticks and wings, as well as multiple pizzas, sandwiches, salads and desserts. —Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Oct. 2024

As the Commodores inched closer to a W, revelers in sports bars across the city incredulously looked up from their pretzels and cheese dip. —Adam Tamburin, Axios, 6 Oct. 2024

The space is lively, with communal picnic tables, ping-pong tables, and a menu featuring pretzels, bratwurst, and German beers. —Emily Price, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German Brezel, ultimately from Latin brachiatus having branches like arms, from brachium arm — more at brace entry 2

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

pretzel

noun

pret·​zel ˈpret-səl 

: a brown cracker that is salted and usually hard and shaped like a loose knot

Etymology

from German Brezel "pretzel," derived from Latin brachiatus (adjective) "having branches like arms," from brachium, "arm" — related to brace entry 2

Word Origin

Pretzels were probably first made in the U.S. during the 19th century by immigrants from Germany. The English word pretzel comes from the German Brezel. The familiar knot-shaped pretzel has been known in Germanic countries for centuries. Its German name comes from the Latin brachiatus, which means "having branches like arms." The pretzel likely got its name because its knot shape looks something like a pair of folded arms.