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, < 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

Items like single-serve mac and cheese cups, ramen packs, granola bars, oatmeal, fruit snacks, pretzels, cheese and crackers, clementines and protein bars are great alternatives — or additions — to the traditional candy bowl.

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My adolescent memories ring with the sounds of Stiller admonishing his son-in-law and crying mutiny at a shopping mall pretzel shop.

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For afternoon kickoffs, a soft pretzel tray with mustard or cinnamon dip goes a long way.

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This time, she said she mixed stock powder with pretzels and took on gels and hydration at 10-mile stopping points along the route.

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It contained sour candies, raspberries, blueberries, sliced strawberries, crackers, cheese, Rice Krispies treats coated with patriotic colored sprinkles and red, white and blue colored chocolate-covered pretzels.

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Related Words

• biscuit 
• cookie 

When To Use

What does pretzel logic mean?

Pretzel logic is an expression used to describe someone's "twisted reasoning."