word square

noun

1. a set of words such that when arranged one beneath another in the form of a square they read alike horizontally and vertically.

word square

noun

1. a puzzle in which the player must fill a square grid with words that read the same across as down

Word History and Origins

Origin of word square¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Wynne built his work, as Raphel describes, on centuries of wordplay and word squares, in which words could be read across and down a grid of letters.

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He was an avid Scrabble player and word square solver for years before picking up crosswords.

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Be very careful to give a clear and correct definition of words used in word squares, diamond puzzles, beheadings, acrostics, and charades.

Read more on Project Gutenberg

Now here they are said to be all square; square is a note of perfection; but this word square may be taken two ways.

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