pretzel

noun

pret·​zel ˈpret-səl 

: 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 two girls also enjoyed some classic Disney snacks — a hot pretzel and churro — while Bennett posed with mom Kylie. —Kayla Grant, People.com, 6 Feb. 2025

Other items, including the $2 Cinnabon footlong churro and the $3 Auntie Anne's footlong pretzel, made their debut the same month. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 31 Jan. 2025

The ad, part of the infamous Adrien Brody episode, stars Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Maya Rudolph in pastel polos and boxy vests prancing around and pouring pretzels, donning knee-length shorts for a special date night. —The New York Times, New York Times, 18 Jan. 2025

The pretzels were soft and buttery with a cheese sauce that was mild but delicious. —Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

pretzel

noun

pret·​zel ˈpret-səl 

: 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.