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

Like the beer and pretzels motif with a mug for salsa. —Lee Michael Katz, USA Today, 20 Dec. 2025

The Kaling family also enjoyed other items, such as a garlic-cheese pretzel with marinara sauce. —Ingrid Vasquez, PEOPLE, 19 Dec. 2025

Locals and travelers alike are treated to European holiday traditions, from artisan stalls to vendors selling strudel, pretzels, and Glühwein. —Nicole Kliest, Vogue, 9 Dec. 2025

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