fritz

noun

: a state of disorder or disrepair
used in the phrase on the fritz
One day the Internet connection at the house goes on the fritz [=stops working properly], so I go with the laptop to a cafe and ask if it has wireless.Joel Achenbach

Examples of fritz in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Kristin Ess Hair 3-in-One Titanium Flatiron $90 $66 Amazon If your current flatiron is on the fritz, treat your strands to an upgrade with Kristin Ess's Titanium Flatiron. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 10 Oct. 2024 The internet has been on the fritz for months, and is on the verge of blacking out along with TV and cell service. Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 8 Sep. 2024 If your current flatiron is on the fritz, treat your strand to an upgrade with Kristin Ess's Titanium Flatiron. Sarah Han, Allure, 18 July 2024 The presence of a backup driver is a cold comfort to someone who is injured, or loses a loved one, because an autonomous vehicle went on the fritz. Curtis Tate, New York Daily News, 3 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for fritz 

Word History

Etymology

origin unknown

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fritz was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near fritz

Cite this Entry

“Fritz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fritz. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!