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 Queens ballpark leans on New York icons like Shake Shack burgers and pastrami sandwiches, along with soft pretzels and classic New York-style hot dogs. — Lauren Schuster, Miami Herald, 16 July 2026

Fans line up for the Shack Burger from Shake Shack, New York-style hot dogs, soft pretzels and pastrami sandwiches. — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 July 2026

Most popular snacks, including chips, pretzels, cookies, candy, jerky, and baked goods, are very low in fiber. — Jillian Kubala, Health, 14 July 2026

Beer, soda, hot dogs, pretzels, and more are all just five bucks each. — James McClellan, Curbed, 10 July 2026

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

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.