IPA: /ˈprɛtsəl/
KK: /ˈprɛtsəl/
A type of baked bread that is often twisted into a knot shape and usually has a salty crust.
I enjoyed a warm pretzel with mustard at the fair.
The word 'pretzel' originates from the Latin word 'bracchium' (meaning arm) and the German word 'brezel', which is derived from the shape resembling crossed arms. The term refers to the twisted shape of the bread, resembling arms crossed in prayer or a knot.
Imagine the shape of a pretzel as two arms crossed together — this helps you remember that 'pretzel' refers to this unique twisted bread.