schnitzel

noun

schnit·​zel ˈshnit-səl How to pronounce schnitzel (audio)
: a seasoned and garnished veal cutlet

Examples of schnitzel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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This is our Southern take on German schnitzel. Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026 The chicken schnitzel is a nod to Fredericksburg’s German heritage, while the pan-seared redfish honors the Gulf Coast. Amanda Ogle, Travel + Leisure, 10 Apr. 2026 The German served up wiener schnitzel the following year, while in 1988 Scotland’s Sandy Lyle laid on some haggis – sheep’s offal minced, spiced and served in its stomach, and plated up to the sound of bagpipes. Don Riddell, CNN Money, 7 Apr. 2026 Lunch and dinner are thoroughly enjoyable affairs, with catch of the day and fresh salads on offer, as well as more inventive options like a truly fantastic lobster schnitzel. Todd Plummer, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for schnitzel

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Schnitzel, literally, "shaving, chip" (originally regional German—Austria—in the sense "veal cutlet"), diminutive of Schnitz "shaving," going back to Middle High German sniz, snitz, derivative of snitzen "to carve," going back to Germanic *snittōn-, iterative derivative of *snīþan- "to cut" — more at schneid

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of schnitzel was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Schnitzel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schnitzel. Accessed 21 Apr. 2026.

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