crossword puzzle

American  

noun

1. a puzzle in which words corresponding to numbered clues or definitions are supplied and fitted into correspondingly numbered sets of squares, one letter per square, the words being arranged horizontally or vertically so that most letters form part of two words.

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crossword puzzle British  

/ ˈkrɒsˌwɜːd /

noun

1. Sometimes shortened to: crossword.  a puzzle in which the solver deduces words suggested by numbered clues and writes them into corresponding boxes in a grid to form a vertical and horizontal pattern

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Etymology

Origin of crossword puzzle

1910–15; cross- + word, allegedly for earlier word cross

Example Sentences

He notes that the interwar period allowed increased leisure time for many, generating fads for new games such as the clue-based crossword puzzle.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026

Windey said yes as the two hung out together in the hotel bed in the morning, working a bespoke crossword puzzle that carried the message “Will you marry me Gabby?”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 5, 2025

The new game differs from Scrabble Junior, which is more of a crossword puzzle, with letters already on the board.

From BBC • Apr. 9, 2024

In the exclusive Slate Plus segment, Anna shares how much crossword puzzle creators get paid.

From Slate • Mar. 3, 2024

I sat down across from my dad at the table; he was slowly stirring his coffee and staring down at a crossword puzzle.

From "Where Things Come Back" by John Corey Whaley