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

I’m staring at the crossword puzzle while he examines the envelope.

From Literature

Last’s public statements on this subject, he writes, are often met with eye rolls: “Oh, so now the crossword puzzle needs to be woke?”

From Los Angeles Times

There, Alex would probably do some crossword puzzles while I read or play video games for a bit.

From Los Angeles Times

Three years into a thirty-year sentence, the Soviet spy battled boredom and loneliness with letters to his wife and daughter, crossword puzzles, and chess in the prison yard.

From Literature

"A lot of people assume crossword puzzles or reading are enough to keep the brain sharp. But not all activities truly promote neuroplasticity," said de Villers-Sidani.

From Science Daily