crossword

noun

cross·​word ˈkrȯs-ˌwərd How to pronounce crossword (audio)
: a puzzle in which words are filled into a pattern of numbered squares in answer to correspondingly numbered clues and in such a way that the words read across and down

Examples of crossword in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Need to print a crossword so two of you can test your wits? Chadd Cripe, Idaho Statesman, 24 Apr. 2024 Los Angeles Times crossword Today’s crossword (McMeel) Daily Commuter crossword SUDOKU Play the USA TODAY Sudoku Game. USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024 An article last Sunday about crosswords by Gen Z constructors misstated Adam Aaronson’s age. New York Times, 21 Apr. 2024 Liar, Liar 18 Across New People Puzzler crosswords go live every Friday and our archives are always available. Steph Spadaccini, Peoplemag, 12 Apr. 2024 The New York Times Best of Saturday Crosswords Got a grandparent who spends a weekend morning with a cup of coffee (or tea) and the crossword? Maya Polton, Parents, 11 Apr. 2024 The People's Princess 30 Across New People Puzzler crosswords go live every Friday and our archives are always available. Robyn Weintraub, Peoplemag, 8 Apr. 2024 Ask our puzzle editors your burning crossword questions. Sam Corbin, New York Times, 31 Mar. 2024 The writer and crossword constructor Anna Shechtman knows that casting such a pastime as political might sound ridiculous. Sophia Stewart, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crossword.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1914, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crossword was in 1914

Dictionary Entries Near crossword

Cite this Entry

“Crossword.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crossword. Accessed 27 Apr. 2024.

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