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

Philly Pretzel Factory The Philly-style pretzel franchise, with more than 150 locations, is giving away one free pretzel to every customer on April 26, no purchase necessary. —Mike Snider, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025

The three tenants opening in the market include a pretzel shop, a Moroccan eatery and juicery, and a shop doubling as an LGBTQ+ boutique. —Mathew Schumer, Baltimore Sun, 24 Apr. 2025

The Atlanta Falcons, the NFL team credited with starting the trend, offer hot dogs, sodas, popcorn and pretzels at $2 each, with $3 items including sweet tea, peach shakes, nachos and vegan dogs. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 18 Apr. 2025

Mini snacks: Goldfish crackers, pretzels, and gummy fruit snacks all come in bite-size treat bags and can be stuffed securely inside your little lovebug's eggs. —Erinne Magee, Parents, 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.