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

MoJo’s Local serves a selection of burgers, sandwiches and salads, as well as a lineup of bar snacks such as street tacos, pretzels and chicken wings. —Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 11 June 2026

These mini pretzel twists are a go-to snack choice anytime of year, but pair perfectly with a cocktail by the pool. —Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026

Meanwhile a bread roll can never become a bagel or a pretzel for a topologist. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 June 2026

The menu features global stadium fare, like German pretzels with mustard and Argentinean choripán sandwiches. —Charles Usher, Midwest Living, 9 June 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.