bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl 

plural bagels

1

: a firm doughnut-shaped roll traditionally made by boiling and then baking

2

[from the resemblance of a bagel to the zero in the score of such a set] tennis, slang : a set (see set entry 2 sense 15) in which one player or team wins every game

They were never in danger of losing, taking a 5-1 lead in the first set and registering a bagel in the second.

—Mike McGovern

Examples of bagel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In August 2020, Heller started selling bagels and sandwiches, pop-up style at Paulie Gee’s pizzeria in Greenpoint, Brooklyn, where its popularity offered proof of concept. —Gary Stern, Forbes.com, 28 May 2025

Thomas' recently released new high protein bagels, Proactiv's got a treatment for redness, pimples and acne and Tate's Bake Shop launched delicious soft baked cookies. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

There’s also a complimentary breakfast featuring some of the best pastries in the area: Don’t miss the cinnamon-date bagels from 29 Loaves—a true local delicacy. —Christina Pérez, Vogue, 20 May 2025

The Sour Boule offers breakfast, lunch and dinner with sourdough pastries, bagels, sandwiches and waffles. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 19 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish beygl, from Middle High German *böugel ring, from bouc ring, from Old High German; akin to Old English bēag ring, būgan to bend — more at bow

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl 

: a firm doughnut-shaped roll