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.
The line was backed up because the credit card reader was on the fritz. Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 21 Oct. 2025 UnitedHealthcare isn’t the only payer on the fritz with health systems. Alexis Kayser, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Oct. 2025 The new video board at Sutter Health Park was on the fritz in the top of the first, showing nothing but a blank screen. Chris Biderman, Sacbee.com, 26 Sep. 2025 Unfortunately, Cate’s powers are still on the fritz. Ben Rosenstock, Vulture, 24 Sep. 2025 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

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Cite this Entry

“Fritz.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fritz. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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