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

Listening to naysayers in Congress twist themselves into pretzels condemning the ayatollah and his brutal repressive regime, but offering no solutions whatsoever, has been disheartening. —Bobby Zirkin, Baltimore Sun, 8 Mar. 2026

To assemble, divide your pretzels/peanuts between two coupe/martini glasses or other small bowls. —The Week Uk, TheWeek, 7 Mar. 2026

Along with popcorn and pretzels, they were sold by street vendors. —Don Sweeney, Sacbee.com, 4 Mar. 2026

Where girl dinner is a charming (if not a little bit dumb) smorgasbord of snacky things like cheese and pretzels and salami, boy kibble (🤢) consists of unseasoned ground beef and white rice, consumed for the protein of it all. —Li Goldstein, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Feb. 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

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.