pumpernickel

American  

[puhm-per-nik-uhl] / ˈpʌm pərˌnɪk əl /

noun

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

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pumpernickel British  

/ ˈpʌmpəˌnɪkəl /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of pumpernickel

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” ( cf. nickel); presumably applied to the bread from its effect on the digestive system

Compare meaning

How does pumpernickel compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• rye bread vs. pumpernickel

Explanation

The dark, somewhat heavy bread you can buy in a bakery or deli is called pumpernickel. If you're bored with the sesame bagel, try ordering a pumpernickel instead. Pumpernickel is a hearty, slightly sweet bread that's made with whole-grain rye flour and traditionally has a dark brown color. While American pumpernickel gets its color from molasses or coffee, traditional German pumpernickel is baked or steamed for a very long time at a low temperature to get its brown shade and sweet flavor. In German, pumpernickel was originally a derogatory name for a simpleton — and the bread itself was once called krankbrot, or "sick bread." Historians think that's because a dark bread was supposedly developed to feed people who were sick during a famine in the 1400s.

Example Sentences

However, there are no rules: If you want, you can use sourdough, pumpernickel, whole grain, etc.

From Washington Times • Jul. 20, 2023

Then, it was my job to fetch her groceries at Costco: her shopping list included her prescription-pain meds, Pedialyte and pumpernickel bread.

From Salon • Nov. 28, 2022

Bagel snobs will be pleased that this Montlake bakery does pumpernickel, which some readers have complained that local bagel shops don’t offer enough of.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 23, 2022

Spread mayonnaise on a pumpernickel bagel, then top with canned sardines, thinly sliced bok choy, grated Parmesan and toasted sesame seeds.

From New York Times • Aug. 20, 2021

As Caesar and Cora wolfed down the rest of the pumpernickel loaf and slices of ham, the men debated the merits of venturing now or after nightfall.

From "The Underground Railroad: A Novel" by Colson Whitehead