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sudoku

noun
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su·​do·​ku | \ sü-ˈdō-kü How to pronounce sudoku (audio) \

Definition of sudoku

: a puzzle in which missing numbers are to be filled into a 9 by 9 grid of squares which are subdivided into 3 by 3 boxes so that every row, every column, and every box contains the numbers 1 through 9

Examples of sudoku in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games. OPINION — Newsom has been the leader California needs during coronavirus. — Los Angeles Times, "Newsletter: Coronavirus hits the White House ranks," 11 May 2020 Poetry Foundation Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games. — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, "Newsletter: Welcome to Stage 2," 8 May 2020 Los Angeles Times Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games. — Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, "Newsletter: The coming beach battle," 24 Apr. 2020 The Ultimate Puzzle Book is a new home delivery offer available only to print members who are eager for more crosswords, sudoku puzzles, and other fun and challenging games. — Dallas News, "How to get the most out of your Dallas Morning News membership," 17 Apr. 2020 Wright explains that pursuits like puzzles, crosswords and sudoku change the way your brain functions from moment to moment. — Aj Willingham, CNN, "People are curbing their stay-at-home anxiety the analog way: With puzzles," 21 Mar. 2020 Creative projects such as drawing, compiling photographs, or sudoku can help keep the mind active. — Olivia Goldhill, Quartz, "Quarantine has serious impact on mental health. Here’s how to support yourself and others," 15 Mar. 2020 Passengers have been entertained in their quarters by activity kits with word searches, sudoku and quizzes handed out by the cruise. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN, "Grand Princess cruise ship with at least 21 confirmed coronavirus cases will dock at California port today," 9 Mar. 2020 Some are relying on sudoku puzzles delivered to their rooms by staff for entertainment. — The Economist, "Curbing the Asian contagion China’s neighbours are rushing to contain the spread of the new coronavirus," 13 Feb. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sudoku.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sudoku

2000, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for sudoku

Japanese sūdoku, short for sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru "the numerals must remain single" (i.e., the digits can occur only once)

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Cite this Entry

“Sudoku.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sudoku. Accessed 25 Feb. 2021.

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