crossword

noun

cross·​word ˈkrȯs-ˌwərd 

: 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

Brain games, crosswords and math puzzles are often promoted as ways to sharpen memory, but neurologists warn that generic exercises may not address the specific cause of mental fog. — Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026

By Sean McGowan THURSDAY PUZZLE — Welcome back to Thursday, the day of the week where the crossword gets weirder and the wordplay gets wilder. — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026

Billiard, meanwhile, has spent the past half hour quietly working on a crossword at the edge of the table. — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026

Here’s today’s mini crossword, plus our other free, daily crossword puzzle, Sudoku, word search and jigsaw games. — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing crossword

• crossword puzzle

Rhymes for crossword

• absurd
• averred
• bluebird
• byword
• catbird
• catchword
• concurred
• conferred
• cowbird
• cowherd
• deferred
• demurred