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

Creadon’s previous credits include his feature directorial debut, 2006’s Wordplay, which profiles the New York Times crossword; a Sundance world premiere, Wordplay continued on to be named one of the National Board of Review’s top five documentaries of 2006. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 22 Oct. 2025

Irvine now challenges herself with small print, crosswords, and product labels. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 Oct. 2025

Sudoku and crosswords are popular. —Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 8 Oct. 2025

How To Play Connections Connections is the second-most popular NYT Games puzzle game outside of the main crossword itself, and an extremely fun, free offering that will get your brain moving every day. —Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1914, 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