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

Now she can be found baking fresh English muffins, croissants, pretzels, loaves of bread, cinnamon buns and more in the former Jemma Pizzeria space Tuesday to Sunday. — Stephanie Breijo, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

The caramel cloud pretzel, meanwhile, is a cinnamon-sugar pretzel that has marshmallow and caramel. — Kansas City Star, 19 Aug. 2026

The foursome then sit down where President Penn opens a bag of pretzels and squishes the empty bag behind the side of the sofa. — Deadline, 18 Aug. 2026

Add fun sides like trail mix, pretzels, or chocolate for a tasty meal. — Isabel Lopez, Parents, 17 Aug. 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

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.