pumpernickel

[ puhm-per-nik-uhl ]

noun

1. a coarse, dark, slightly sour bread made of unbolted rye.

pumpernickel

/ ˈpʌmpəˌnɪkəl /

noun

1. a slightly sour black bread, originating in Germany, made of coarse rye flour

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpernickel¹

First recorded in 1750–60; from German Pumpernickel, originally a contemptuous name for anyone considered disagreeable, equivalent to pumper(n) “to break wind” + Nickel, diminutive or pet name of Nikolaus “Nicholas” ( nickel ); presumably applied to the bread from its effect on the digestive system

Word History and Origins

Origin of pumpernickel¹

C18: from German, of uncertain origin

Example Sentences

They produced pumpernickel from one cupboard, and rye-bread and sausage from another, and all began to talk again and eat.

From Project Gutenberg

From a German bake shop get the bread, either "Kummel," (which is rye with caraway seeds), or Pumpernickel.

From Project Gutenberg

Mom fried pork sausages in the morning, you loved the smell of pumpernickel from the bakery in Vesey Street.

From Project Gutenberg

Our sub-officers and privates received good pickled meat with vegetables, pumpernickel (black bread) and rye whiskey.

From Project Gutenberg

Then we had Pumpernickel, Gruyère cheese and radishes, and for a third course vanilla ice.

From Project Gutenberg