bagel

noun

ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl How to pronounce bagel (audio)
plural bagels
1
: a firm doughnut-shaped roll traditionally made by boiling and then baking
2
[from the resemblance of a bagel to the zero in the score of such a set] tennis, slang : a set (see set entry 2 sense 15) in which one player or team wins every game
They were never in danger of losing, taking a 5-1 lead in the first set and registering a bagel in the second.—Mike McGovern

Examples of bagel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Deli containers, those clear plastic cylinders that hold bagel schmears, premade pasta salads, and the occasional illicit public beach cocktail, enjoy vaunted status in the food world. — Wilder Davies, Bon Appetit Magazine, 28 Aug. 2026 Throughout the summer season, Hotel Albatross hosts rotating food pop-ups for guests to enjoy, ranging from Cheech’s bagels to Phoenicia Diner specials. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 26 Aug. 2026 Those bits consist of the best-ever everything bagel seasoning, which is paired with a creamy sunflower dressing. — Anthony Todd, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 The bagels are the creations of Moreira, who grew up in Argentina but learned quickly how to make bagels that caused a splash. — Connie Ogle, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bagel

Word History

Etymology

Yiddish beygl, from Middle High German *böugel ring, from bouc ring, from Old High German; akin to Old English bēag ring, būgan to bend — more at bow

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of bagel was in 1898

Browse Nearby Words

Bagehot
bagel
bag filter
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bagel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bagel. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

bagel

noun
ba·​gel ˈbā-gəl How to pronounce bagel (audio)
: a firm doughnut-shaped roll

More from Merriam-Webster on bagel

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about bagel

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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