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

Bluey Medley This to-go pack contains sliced apples, cheddar, and pretzels, says House. —Sherri Gordon, Parents, 18 Oct. 2025

The gas station and convenience store combo, known for its goose mascot, offers built-to-order hoagies, breakfast items, milkshakes, coffee, soft pretzels, soups, and more. —Olivia Evans, Louisville Courier Journal, 17 Oct. 2025

The buckets are available for shoppers to fill with all their favorite pretzels. —Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Oct. 2025

These pretty pretzels are carefully coated, but the pretzel-to-coating ratio is off, and the coating lacks the tangy note of yogurt. —Jolene Thym, Mercury News, 14 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.