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

The shops also have a limited food menu with pretzel bites and sugar cookies topped with a swirl of pink icing. —Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 2 July 2025

In addition to movie concessions like popcorn, candy, and sodas, the on-site diner has burgers, fries, nachos, Bavarian pretzels, and more. —Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 25 June 2025

Last year, the company debuted television ads with former NFL quarterbacks Peyton and Eli Manning that promoted sliders and pretzel bites. —Jordan Valinsky, CNN Money, 24 June 2025

Snacks include pretzel bites, sugar cookies and mini chocolate chip cookies. —Jenna Thompson, Kansas City Star, 23 June 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.