pretzel

noun

pret·​zel ˈpret-səl How to pronounce pretzel (audio)
: 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 The fifth-generation baker studied in German bakeries and spent decades perfecting his pretzels. Cameron Knight, The Enquirer, 23 Oct. 2024 The Chicago location offers multiple popcorn options (butter, truffle herb parmesan and churro flavors), chips and queso, soft pretzels, mozzarella sticks and wings, as well as multiple pizzas, sandwiches, salads and desserts. Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 23 Oct. 2024 As the Commodores inched closer to a W, revelers in sports bars across the city incredulously looked up from their pretzels and cheese dip. Adam Tamburin, Axios, 6 Oct. 2024 The space is lively, with communal picnic tables, ping-pong tables, and a menu featuring pretzels, bratwurst, and German beers. Emily Price, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for pretzel 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'pretzel.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of pretzel was in 1831

Dictionary Entries Near pretzel

Cite this Entry

“Pretzel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretzel. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

pretzel

noun
pret·​zel ˈpret-səl How to pronounce pretzel (audio)
: 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.

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