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

Chesterfield Craving a giant pretzel on your night out? —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Cinnabon Sweets lovers who prefer Cinnabon over a cinnamon sugar pretzel can enjoy an OREO Spookies & Cream Chillatta with any CinnaPack purchase from October 27 to October 31. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Treats for purchase include cinnamon Bavarian crème churros, giant pretzels, parmesan-and-garlic vampire fries, Spooky Campfire Cocoa with Mash & Mallow S’mores Whiskey, Whiskey Applejack, seasonal cocktails and Night Owl Pumpkin Ale. —Domenica Bongiovanni, IndyStar, 30 Oct. 2025

Options include chocolate candies, miniature pretzels, marshmallows, or gummy candies. —Metro Creative Services, Boston Herald, 29 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for pretzel

• quetzal

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.