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

Toss in the pretzels and evenly coat with the sugar-cinnamon mixture. —Nancy Vienneau, Southern Living, 23 May 2026

Yes, as the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated, there’s no shortage of people willing to twist public health info into salty pretzels for political and financial gain. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 2026

Figure-eight pretzels from Center City Soft Pretzel Co. —Susan Spencer, CBS News, 17 May 2026

The partnership between dark chocolate and pretzels offers a nice balance of sweet and salty flavors. —Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 14 May 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.