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
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.
She’s known for her iconic sweet-potato soft pretzel, but don’t overlook the rest of the pastry case. — Kyle Beechey, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 Aug. 2026 To these people, a man paying tens of thousands of dollars only to be rejected over a pretzel looks like evidence that Anderson was bad at her job, or worse, a scammer. — Eva Roytburg, Fortune, 13 Aug. 2026 Fans will be served drinks, pizza, soft pretzels and popcorn beforehand. — Michael Schneider, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026 The surrealist animation-style of Czech filmmaker Jan Svankmajer also heavily influenced Funk, particularly his film’s sequence involving a spider-like creature with legs made of pretzels. — Tania Azhang, Sacbee.com, 6 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for pretzel

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

Browse Nearby Words

pretypify
pretzel
preumbonal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Pretzel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretzel. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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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.

More from Merriam-Webster on pretzel

Nglish: Translation of pretzel for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about pretzel

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