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Crossword Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crossword

[ˈkrɔsˌwɜrd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

puzzle game

A crossword is a word puzzle that typically takes the form of a square or rectangular grid. The goal of the crossword is to fill in the grid with words based on clues provided for both the horizontal and vertical spaces. Each word intersects with other words at certain letters, creating a network of interconnected clues. Crosswords often appear in newspapers and magazines and can vary in difficulty from easy to highly challenging.

Synonyms

crossword puzzle, grid puzzle, word puzzle.

Examples of usage

  • I solve the crossword every morning.
  • She enjoys participating in crossword competitions.
  • He found the crossword questions quite tricky.
  • The magazine published a new crossword each week.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • Crosswords gained popularity in newspapers starting in the 1920s, with the New York Times launching its famous crossword puzzle in 1942.
  • The first known crossword puzzle was created by Arthur Wynne, a journalist from Liverpool, England.

Pop Culture

  • Crossword puzzles have been featured in many TV shows and movies, often depicting characters solving them as a way to showcase their intelligence.
  • Competitions such as the American Crossword Puzzle Tournament attract hundreds of avid solvers each year.

Psychology

  • Solving crossword puzzles can enhance cognitive skills, improving vocabulary and problem-solving abilities.
  • Studies suggest that engaging in puzzles may help delay cognitive decline in older adults.

Literature

  • Many authors and literary figures have been known to enjoy crossword puzzles, using them as a way to unwind or stimulate creativity.
  • Some novels even include crosswords as a plot device, creating intertwining stories with clues and answers.

Origin of 'crossword'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'crossword' was first used in the early 20th century, specifically around 1913.
  • The format of intersecting words was inspired by earlier word puzzles like 'word squares'.

The word 'crossword' originated in the early 20th century, combining the terms 'cross' and 'word'. The first known crossword puzzle was created by Arthur Wynne, a British journalist, and was published in the New York World newspaper on December 21, 1913. It featured a diamond-shaped grid and clues arranged in a way that they intersected to form words, which is the typical format we associate with crosswords today. The concept gained popularity quickly and, by the 1920s, crosswords began appearing regularly in newspapers and magazines across the United States and the United Kingdom. They became a staple form of entertainment, especially during the Great Depression when people sought inexpensive recreational activities. Since then, crosswords have evolved, with various styles and formats emerging, including themed puzzles and digital crosswords available in mobile apps and websites.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,564, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.