bagel
noun (countable)
UK/ˈbeɪ.ɡəl/US/ˈbeɪ.ɡəl/
a round, doughnut-shaped bread roll that is first boiled and then baked, often topped with seeds or other ingredients
Example Sentences
A fresh bagel tastes best straight out of the oven.
He ordered a plain bagel with cream cheese at the café.
Sesame seeds are a popular topping for bagels.
Many people freeze bagels to keep them fresh for later use.
New York is famous for its chewy and flavorful bagels.
Bagels can be sliced and toasted, then paired with both sweet and savory spreads, making them a versatile breakfast or brunch option.
After boiling, bagels develop a dense, chewy interior before being baked to form a crisp, golden crust that distinguishes them from other bread rolls.
She found a local bakery specializing in artisan bagels, offering unique flavors like rosemary sea salt, jalapeño cheddar, and cinnamon raisin swirl.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
A dense, chewy bread roll with a distinctive ring shape.The word 'bagel' can be used in various contexts related to food, particularly breakfast items. For example, one might say, 'I had a bagel with cream cheese for breakfast,' or 'She baked homemade bagels for the family gathering.' It can also be used metaphorically in expressions, such as 'The meeting was as hard as a bagel,' though such usage is less common. Additionally, 'bagel' might appear in discussions about different types of bread or bakery products, dietary preferences, or cultural food traditions. In casual conversation, someone might ask, 'Do you want a bagel or a donut for your morning snack?' When writing, 'bagel' can be incorporated into descriptions of meals, recipes, or in narratives involving characters eating or preparing bagels. Overall, 'bagel' is a versatile noun primarily associated with food and culinary contexts.
Alternatives
Alternatives to 'bagel' include similar types of bread products such as 'pretzel,' 'muffin,' 'croissant,' and 'scone.' While each of these has its unique characteristics—like the pretzel's chewy texture and distinctive twist, or the croissant's flaky layers—they can be used interchangeably in contexts where you’re referring to a baked good for breakfast or a snack. Additionally, 'bagel' alternatives might vary based on regional preferences; for instance, 'bap' in some parts of the UK refers to a similar bread roll. In discussions about dietary choices, alternatives like 'gluten-free bread' or 'whole wheat rolls' might be mentioned alongside 'bagel' as options. When considering the texture and flavor profiles, 'ciabatta' or 'focaccia' could also serve as substitutes depending on the culinary application. In a broader sense, any round or ring-shaped bread product might be considered an alternative in certain contexts.
Writing
When incorporating the word 'bagel' into writing, consider the following key takeaways: 1. Descriptive Detail: Use adjectives to convey the texture, flavor, and appearance, such as 'chewy bagel' or 'toasted bagel.' 2. Contextual Usage: Place 'bagel' within relevant contexts like breakfast scenes, bakery settings, or cultural references to enhance authenticity. 3. Varied Sentences: Utilize 'bagel' in different sentence structures—simple, compound, and complex—to maintain reader interest. 4. Cultural Significance: Mention the cultural or historical aspects of bagels when appropriate to add depth. 5. Consistency: Ensure that the usage of 'bagel' aligns with the overall tone and purpose of your writing, whether it's formal, informal, descriptive, or narrative. 6. Avoid Repetition: Use synonyms or related terms occasionally to prevent the text from becoming monotonous. 7. Engage the Senses: Describe how a bagel looks, smells, and tastes to create a vivid image for the reader. By focusing on these aspects, you can effectively integrate 'bagel' into your writing to enrich the narrative or descriptive elements of your text.
Casual Conversation
In daily casual conversations, 'bagel' can be used in various friendly and informal contexts. For instance, when discussing breakfast plans, one might say, 'I'm grabbing a bagel from the café downstairs,' or 'Do you want to meet for a bagel and coffee?' It's also common to use 'bagel' when sharing preferences, such as 'I prefer a sesame bagel over plain,' or 'Bagels with cream cheese are my favorite.' Additionally, 'bagel' can come up in light-hearted discussions about food choices, dietary habits, or even humorous comparisons like, 'That idea is as round as a bagel.' When talking about recent meals or baking endeavors, someone might mention, 'I tried making bagels at home this weekend,' or 'Bagels turned out better than expected!' In social settings, 'bagel' can be part of casual invitations or plans, such as 'Let's have bagels for brunch,' fostering a relaxed and approachable conversation tone. Overall, using 'bagel' in everyday speech can add a touch of familiarity and relatability, especially when discussing food-related topics.
Etymology
The word 'bagel' has its origins in Yiddish, derived from the Middle High German word 'böugel,' meaning 'ring' or 'bracelet.' This reflects the bagel's distinctive ring shape. Bagels are believed to have originated in the Jewish communities of Poland around the 17th century. They were traditionally boiled before baking, a method that gives bagels their unique chewy texture and shiny crust. Bagels became a staple in Jewish bakeries and were later introduced to other parts of the world through immigration. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, bagels gained popularity in the United States, particularly in cities like New York, where they became a beloved part of the local cuisine. Today, bagels are enjoyed globally and come in various flavors and styles, from traditional plain and sesame to innovative varieties with different toppings and fillings. The bagel's enduring popularity is a testament to its cultural significance and versatile appeal in both traditional and contemporary culinary landscapes.