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

Dad looks up from his crossword puzzle, amused by my dramatic entrance.

From Literature

And if you eat better foods, go for more walks, drink tea, do crossword puzzles and engage in some brain training, what’s the worst that could happen?

From MarketWatch

Maybe it’s a small thing, sewing a hem, helping someone with a crossword puzzle.

From Literature

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

From Literature