bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl 

plural bagels

1

: a firm doughnut-shaped roll traditionally made by boiling and then baking

2

[from the resemblance of a bagel to the zero in the score of such a set] tennis, slang : a set (see set entry 2 sense 15) in which one player or team wins every game

They were never in danger of losing, taking a 5-1 lead in the first set and registering a bagel in the second.

—Mike McGovern

Examples of bagel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Social media users including Costco Buys recently highlighted that the wholesale retailer was now offering Kirkland Signature bagels in a single, eight-count pack at some locations — a smaller portion than what was offered before. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 24 Apr. 2026

The latter resulted in a deal led by Jeff Zients, President Joe Biden’s former chief of staff and also the first investor in bagel chain Call Your Mother. —Max Scheinblum, Denver Post, 23 Apr. 2026

While quick carbohydrates like cereal, bagels, and pastries are common breakfast choices, many people skip incorporating a significant source of protein in their morning meals. —Kristen Gasnick, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2026

But still, all of the chain's Wake-Up Wraps and breakfast sandwiches on bagels, croissants, and English muffins cost between $2 and $5. —Kate Perez, USA Today, 17 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish beygl, from Middle High German *böugel ring, from bouc ring, from Old High German; akin to Old English bēag ring, būgan to bend — more at bow

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl 

: a firm doughnut-shaped roll