Search Dictionary
Definition of pumpernickel

pumpernickel

/ˈpʌm.pərˌnɪk.əl/
pum · per · nick · el
Plural:pumpernickels
JUMP TO:

pumpernickel Lexical Profile

pumpernickel Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A dark, dense, and slightly sweet sour rye bread originally from Germany, traditionally made with coarsely ground rye and baked for a long period.

Example

"She ordered a thick pastrami sandwich on freshly baked pumpernickel with a side of spicy mustard."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for pumpernickel

• Nearby Words

pulsatilla
puma
pump
pumpernickel
pumpkin
pumpkin seed
pumpkinseed

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from German 'Pumpernickel'. Originally a derogatory term literally translating to 'farting goblin' or 'devil's fart' (from 'pumpern', meaning 'to break wind', and 'Nickel', meaning 'goblin' or 'demon'), likely referring to the dense, heavy bread being difficult to digest.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Pumpernickel. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 21, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/pumpernickel
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.