schnitzel

noun

schnit·​zel ˈshnit-səl How to pronounce schnitzel (audio)
: a seasoned and garnished veal cutlet

Examples of schnitzel 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.
In addition to the signature drafts, there's a food menu featuring classics like schnitzel and poutine. Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 17 May 2026 Look for traditional German fare such as sauerkraut balls, schnitzels and buletten (meatball sandwich), and of course plenty of German beer. Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2026 Pork schnitzel will also feature in the pages, as an homage to her childhood comfort foods growing up in Europe, as well as Lucky Blue's recipe for oat chocolate chip cookies. Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026 This is our Southern take on German schnitzel. Phoebe Evans, Southern Living, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for schnitzel

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Schnitzel, literally, "shaving, chip" (originally regional German—Austria—in the sense "veal cutlet"), diminutive of Schnitz "shaving," going back to Middle High German sniz, snitz, derivative of snitzen "to carve," going back to Germanic *snittōn-, iterative derivative of *snīþan- "to cut" — more at schneid

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of schnitzel was in 1854

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Cite this Entry

“Schnitzel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schnitzel. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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