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

For fresh, New York-style bagels, head to Bagel Dock Cafe. —Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2025

The doughnuts are also available at the Matthews Community Farmers Market, along with bagels, breads and other baked goods. —Charlottefive Staff, Charlotte Observer, 1 Aug. 2025

Student eats: For 49 years, Pappa Charlie’s Deli has been feeding diners on a hearty menu of breakfast omelettes, waffles and bagels, and more than 60 different sandwiches at lunch. —Jeanne O'Brien Coffey, Forbes.com, 31 July 2025

Pastries and savory baked goods include bagel bombs (i.e., spherical bagels stuffed with cream cheese and bacon or jalapeno), gluten-free strawberry scones, regular and almond croissants, cinnamon rolls, banana bread, chocolate chip cookies and more. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 29 July 2025

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

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl 

: a firm doughnut-shaped roll