fritz

noun

: a state of disorder or disrepair
used in the phrase on the fritz
One day the Internet connection at the house goes on the fritz [=stops working properly], so I go with the laptop to a cafe and ask if it has wireless.Joel Achenbach

Examples of fritz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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When Jimmy Pitaro took over as head of ESPN back in 2018, the relationship between the company and the world’s richest sports league was on the fritz. Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 7 Aug. 2025 The office’s air conditioner is on the fritz during my visit, which means the office is baking on this 86-degree day. Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 23 July 2025 Especially when the fridge goes on the fritz on Day 2. Leslie Kelly, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025 In the lead-up to his big proposal, and in the midst of his grandmother dying, he’s been understandably on the fritz a bit. Tom Smyth, Vulture, 2 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for fritz

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fritz was in 1902

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Cite this Entry

“Fritz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fritz. Accessed 19 Aug. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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