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” ( 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

Example Sentences

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

From Washington Times

One of my favorite creations is to have it on a piece of pumpernickel bread, topped with thinly sliced cucumbers and toasted until piping hot.

From Salon

Toss in some chopped apples and golden raisins, sandwich in between rye or pumpernickel bread with a copious amount of crisp lettuce and you'll be stunned by its outrageous flavor.

From Salon

“And I said, ‘Do you know the etymology of the word ‘pumpernickel?’

From New York Times

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