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

German food will be sold ranging from bratwurst, schnitzel, pretzels and sauerkraut to black forest cherry cake. —Linda McIntosh, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2025

In addition to an impressive range of brews—from coffee milk stout to hazy IPA to Czech-style pilsner—there were pillowy pretzel bites to snack on with a choice of ’Gansett beer cheese or agave mustard. —Madison Trapkin, Saveur, 7 May 2025

Auntie Anne’s is celebrating National Pretzel Day with free pretzels. —Tanasia Kenney, Miami Herald, 25 Apr. 2025

On Wednesday, April 16, the pop star, 40, shared an image of Daisy’s lunch box, which was filled with pretzels, carrot sticks, pineapple chunks and other treats. —Erin Clements, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025

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

Rhymes for pretzel

• quetzal

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.