kaiser

/ˈkaɪzər/

/ˈkaɪzə/

Other forms: kaisers

Historically, a kaiser was a German or Austrian emperor. In North America, it's also a delicious crusty roll.

This royal title goes all the way back to the Holy Roman Emperors of the 10th century, who called themselves kaiser, from Caesar, "emperor or ruler," (a reference to Julius Caesar). The term was used throughout the German Empire, until its end in the 20th century. Kaiser rolls resemble crowns and originated in Austria, where they're known as Kaisersemmel. They're named after Austrian Kaiser Franz Joseph I, who ruled from 1848 to 1916.

Definitions of kaiser

1. noun

   the title of the Holy Roman Emperors or the emperors of Austria or of Germany until 1918
   synonyms: Kaiser

   examples:

   Kaiser Wilhelm

   grandson of Queen Victoria and Kaiser of Germany from 1888 to 1918; he was vilified as causing World War I (1859-1941)

   type of:

   emperor

   the male ruler of an empire
2. noun

   rounded raised poppy-seed roll made of a square piece of dough by folding the corners in to the center
   synonyms: kaiser roll

   type of:

   bun, roll

   small rounded bread either plain or sweet