pretzel

[ pret-suhl ]

noun

1. a crisp, dry biscuit, usually in the form of a knot or stick, salted on the outside.
2. a larger version of this, made of soft, chewy bread dough.

pretzel

/ ˈprɛtsəl /

noun

1. a brittle savoury biscuit, in the form of a knot or stick, glazed and salted on the outside, eaten esp in Germany and the US

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretzel¹

1815–25, Americanism; < German Pretzel, variant of Bretzel; Old High German brizzila < Medieval Latin bracellus bracelet

Word History and Origins

Origin of pretzel¹

C19: from German, from Old High German brezitella; perhaps related to Medieval Latin bracellus bracelet, from Latin bracchium arm

Example Sentences

Take abortion, where he was for it before he was against it, before he tied himself in recent days into a pretzel over it trying to please and appease.

From Salon

Was some pretzel logic about liberals manipulating identity to score political points?

From Salon

He conceived of a food truck catering company that would serve those little doughnuts, fresh and warm in a tray topped with bits and bobs in combinations called S’mores or Salted Caramel Pretzel.

From Los Angeles Times

I mean — caramelized pretzel puff pastry?

From Salon

Announced on both X/Twitter and Instagram, Auntie Anne's Pretzels has debuted its new fragrance, "Knead: Eau De Pretzel."

From Salon

Related Words

• biscuit
• cookie