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

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 • Oct. 30, 2022

The primary grains are barley, oats, rye and spelt, eaten cooked whole or baked into dense breads such as pumpernickel or fermented sourdough.

From Seattle Times • May 23, 2022

It’s a turkey Reuben on a pumpernickel everything bagel.

From New York Times • Aug. 27, 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