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

Your home will smell just like a pretzel shop, and after lighting it, you may be tempted to get a fresh pretzel yourself. —Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 4 Aug. 2025

Its lineup of staple and seasonal ciders is made on site, with North Carolina apples, and there’s an on-site kitchen offering bar bites such as flatbreads, pretzels and Cidercheese nachos. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 23 July 2025

While Swiatek’s bagel story is well chronicled (and again established with a 6-0, 6-0 victory in the 2025 Wimbledon final), in 2020 Swiatek and Medvedev did a Q&A together and Swiatek described Medvedev’s game like a pretzel, which produced plenty of laughter. —Tim Newcomb, Forbes.com, 23 July 2025

Snack smarter with these salty pretzel nuggets filled with creamy almond butter. —Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 July 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.