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

Food will include pretzels, sausages and schnitzel, along with food trucks. — Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 21 Sep. 2026

The scene outside of the Linc felt like a normal show at the venue, the parking lots spotted with tailgates as vendors sold Philly Factory pretzels and bootlegged merchandise. — Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2026

Besides beer, pretzels, pork roast and sausages were also sought-after delicacies. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

Authentic German food including giant pretzels, brats and sausages, and other Oktoberfest food and snack selections. — Michael Deeds, Idaho Statesman, 18 Sep. 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.