: 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
Dovetail Brewery Focusing exclusively on Continental European styles like their smooth and coppery Vienna Lager, Dovetail has an old-school, pretzels-and-sausage vibe.
—
Midwest Living,
1 July 2026
Bluey Medley This to-go pack contains sliced apples, cheddar, and pretzels, says House.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
28 June 2026
Fans can enjoy a selection of food favorites like hot dogs, pizza, pierogi, burgers, warm pretzels and popcorn in addition to full-service bars in the stands, while mascot Rusty the Railcat entertains all ages.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
Top your burgers, hot dogs, and other mustard-friendly fare like pretzels with this kosher condiment that contains mustard seeds, white vinegar, salt, sugar, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper powder, and, of course, honey.
—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretzel
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.
Midwest Living,
1 July 2026
Bluey Medley This to-go pack contains sliced apples, cheddar, and pretzels, says House.
—
Sherri Gordon,
Parents,
28 June 2026
Fans can enjoy a selection of food favorites like hot dogs, pizza, pierogi, burgers, warm pretzels and popcorn in addition to full-service bars in the stands, while mascot Rusty the Railcat entertains all ages.
—
Philip Potempa,
Chicago Tribune,
25 June 2026
Top your burgers, hot dogs, and other mustard-friendly fare like pretzels with this kosher condiment that contains mustard seeds, white vinegar, salt, sugar, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper powder, and, of course, honey.
—
Michele Laufik,
Martha Stewart,
23 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for pretzel
Cite this Entry
“Pretzel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pretzel. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
