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

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

From Salon

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

From BBC

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.

From Salon

The Baltimore Orioles offer seven food items at $4 or less, including hot dogs, nachos, popcorn, pretzel bites and desserts.

From Los Angeles Times

You can also pair your board with pretzels or crackers instead of toasted bread.

From Salon

Related Words

• biscuit 
• cookie 

When To Use

What does pretzel logic mean?

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