schnitzel

noun

schnit·​zel ˈshnit-səl How to pronounce schnitzel (audio)
: a seasoned and garnished veal cutlet

Examples of schnitzel 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.
The menu changes daily and features wide-ranging Italian and Tyrolean dishes such as quail risotto, Speckknöddelsuppe (bacon dumpling soup), pasta and veal ragout, Viennese-style schnitzel, spinach dumplings, and apple strudel. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026 Try schnitzel, roasted chicken, sauerbraten, bratwurst and pretzels and wash it down with beer imported directly from Germany. — Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026 The food menu will include schnitzel, bratwurst, roasted chicken, a sausage sampler plate and more, according to a social media post by Cal Expo. — Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Best of all was the lamb schnitzel, perhaps the restaurant’s biggest swing. — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for schnitzel

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Schnitzel, literally, "shaving, chip" (originally regional German—Austria—in the sense "veal cutlet"), diminutive of Schnitz "shaving," going back to Middle High German sniz, snitz, derivative of snitzen "to carve," going back to Germanic *snittōn-, iterative derivative of *snīþan- "to cut" — more at schneid

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of schnitzel was in 1854

Phrases Containing schnitzel

Browse Nearby Words

schnitz and knepp
schnitzel
Schnitzler
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Cite this Entry

“Schnitzel.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/schnitzel. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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