puzzle box

noun

, Psychology.

1. an enclosure, used in experiments in animal learning, from which an animal must escape or in which it must manipulate various devices.

Word History and Origins

Origin of puzzle box¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

I loved it when Westworld constructed this amazing puzzle box story and dared you to solve it.

From Ars Technica

“Twelve Minutes” is a cross between a malevolent puzzle box and a theatrical chamber piece, and if outright entertainment is what you’re looking for this is not the game for you.

From Washington Post

The trained cat performs repeatedly for the other's benefit, and is then taken away and the untrained cat put into the puzzle box.

From Project Gutenberg

Is it about the burglars that got into Miss Ransoms store and took the puzzle box?

From Project Gutenberg

A pyramid seemed to have been constructed something after the manner of an onion or a Chinese puzzle-box.

From Project Gutenberg

No man in his senses would place a diamond inside a twopenny-halfpenny puzzle box.

From Project Gutenberg

That comes of Harry dying so inconsiderately and leaving this puzzle-box on my hands.

From Project Gutenberg