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

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

Now, bagel shops around the country are getting serious coin from investment funds. —Sam Stone, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 Apr. 2026

From a legacy bagel chain expanding its footprint to a buzzy pizzeria heading north, here’s a look at four spots to watch. —Brock Keeling, Oc Register, 17 Apr. 2026

Come early for coffee, bagels, and conversation. —Staff Report, Baltimore Sun, 15 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