Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

piece of the puzzle

noun phrase

Definition of piece of the puzzle

: part of the solution to a question or problem
  • Researchers are close to finding a solution, but they haven't found the final pieces of the puzzle.
  • The restaurant is trying to attract more customers, and the new menu is an important piece of the puzzle.

Word by Word Definitions

puzzle play

  1. : to offer or represent to (someone) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally

  2. : complicate, entangle

  3. : to solve with difficulty or ingenuity

  1. : the state of being puzzled : perplexity

  2. : something that puzzles

  3. : a question, problem, or contrivance designed for testing ingenuity

See the full definition of puzzle

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up piece of the puzzle? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show hide

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games