word square

American  

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.

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word square British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of word square

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.

From New York Times

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

From Washington Times

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

From 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.

From Project Gutenberg