pretzel

noun

pret·​zel ˈpret-səl How to pronounce pretzel (audio)
: 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 Windsor sophomore Evan Perez, Mead senior Dalton Berg and Roosevelt senior Bronco Hartson, all with a chance to win gold, form a powerful, muscular trio that’s saltier than a Bavarian pretzel. Patrick Saunders, The Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2024 Serve it with graham crackers, fruit, cookies or pretzels — or just eat it straight out of the pan with a spoon. People Staff, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024 There are also draught beers by Mendocino breweries and soft pretzels with beer cheese. Chelsee Lowe, Travel + Leisure, 5 Feb. 2024 The sandwich chain announced Thursday that its new Sidekick lineup, which also consists of a Cinnabon churro and a soft pretzel from Auntie Anne’s, is already exceeding sales expectations. Jordan Valinsky, CNN, 1 Feb. 2024 Doors will open at 2 p.m. with drink specials and a special on soft pretzels with pub cheese. Susan Selasky, Detroit Free Press, 20 Jan. 2024 The bite-sized pretzels are covered in dark chocolate and come in small bags—perfect for a lunch box! Sarah Yang, Sunset Magazine, 19 Jan. 2024 The garlic flavor is yummy, with salty popcorn, pretzels, and pepitas over a base of plain cereal. Emily Vanschmus, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 Feb. 2024 The two girls also enjoyed some classic Disney snacks — a hot pretzel and churro — while Bennett posed with mom Kylie. Hannah Sacks, Peoplemag, 9 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pretzel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretzel was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near pretzel

Cite this Entry

“Pretzel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretzel. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

pretzel

noun
pret·​zel ˈpret-səl How to pronounce pretzel (audio)
: 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.

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