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

Larry had a fatal encounter with a pretzel at a gender-reveal party. —David Fear, Rolling Stone, 25 Nov. 2025

There were so many highly specialized companies on the massive show floor, experts in everything from the misting fans that cool guests off in queues to the soft pretzels sold at snack stands, and of course, the makers of the rides themselves. —Eve Chen, USA Today, 21 Nov. 2025

Chesterfield Craving a giant pretzel on your night out? —Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Cinnabon Sweets lovers who prefer Cinnabon over a cinnamon sugar pretzel can enjoy an OREO Spookies & Cream Chillatta with any CinnaPack purchase from October 27 to October 31. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 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.