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

Beer, soda, hot dogs, pretzels, and more are all just five bucks each. — James McClellan, Curbed, 10 July 2026

Pasricha suggests roasted chickpeas as a fiber-rich swap for a salty snack like pretzels or chips. — Sarah Klein, Time, 10 July 2026

Just days before the holiday weekend, the warehouse chain rolled out pretzel bagels, combining the chewy texture of a traditional bagel with the dark crust and salty finish of a soft pretzel. — Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 6 July 2026

Dovetail Brewery Focusing exclusively on Continental European styles like their smooth and coppery Vienna Lager, Dovetail has an old-school, pretzels-and-sausage vibe. — Midwest Living, 1 July 2026

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.