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 event will feature craft beer and Bavarian fare like pretzels and sausages along with tacos and entertainment by the Zeitgeist Oktoberfest Band and games. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025

Mirrors bent reality into pretzels, sound waves became visible, pendulums drew elegant patterns in sand. —Maggie Downs, Oc Register, 9 Sep. 2025

Auntie Anne’s Auntie Anne’s Rewards members who make at least one purchase a year can get a free pretzel for their birthday. —Cheryl V. Jackson, IndyStar, 9 Sep. 2025

Forget the pretzels and Bud Light of old; Johnson brought in Duyen Ha, a Chopped Champion chef, to curate the menu. —Greg Engle, Forbes.com, 7 Sep. 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.