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Crossword: meaning, definitions and examples

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crossword

 

[ ˈkrɔsˌwɜrd ]

Noun
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

Translations of the word "crossword" in other languages:

🇵🇹 palavras cruzadas

🇮🇳 सुर्खियों

🇩🇪 Kreuzworträtsel

🇮🇩 teka-teki silang

🇺🇦 кросворд

🇵🇱 krzyżówka

🇯🇵 クロスワード

🇫🇷 mots croisés

🇪🇸 sopa de letras

🇹🇷 kare bulmaca

🇰🇷 크로스워드

🇸🇦 ألغاز الكلمات المتقاطعة

🇨🇿 křížovka

🇸🇰 krížovka

🇨🇳 填字游戏

🇸🇮 križanka

🇮🇸 krossgátur

🇰🇿 кроссворд

🇬🇪 კრისტალული

🇦🇿 krossvord

🇲🇽 crucigrama

Etymology

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.