bagel

word

/ˈbeɪɡəɫ/
BAY-guhl
/bˈeɪɡəl/
BAY-guhl

Definition

A bagel is a round bread roll with a hole in the middle, typically boiled before baking and often eaten for breakfast with things like cream cheese or smoked salmon.

Usage & Nuances

'Bagel' is always singular for one item; use 'bagels' for more than one. Common phrases: 'toasted bagel', 'cream cheese bagel'. It's a loanword from Yiddish, mostly used in American and Canadian English. Not to be confused with 'donut', which is sweet and fried.

Example Sentences

May I have a plain bagel, please?

basic

Can you toast my bagel and add some cream cheese?

natural

Whenever I'm in New York, I have to get a classic bagel with lox.

natural

This bagel is fresh and soft.

basic

I had a bagel for breakfast.

basic

They sell amazing blueberry bagels at that bakery.

natural