plural puzzles
1
a
: a question or problem that requires thought, skill, or cleverness to be answered or solved
a book of puns, riddles, and puzzles
b
: jigsaw puzzle
—often used figuratively
The restaurant is trying to attract more customers, and the new menu is an important piece of the puzzle. [=an important part of what is being done]
Researchers are close to finding a solution, but they haven't found the final pieces of the puzzle.
2
: something or someone that is difficult to understand
—usually singular
The cause of the explosion was a puzzle. [=no one knew what caused the explosion]
His strange behavior is a puzzle to his friends. [=his friends don't understand the reason for his strange behavior]
puzzles; puzzled; puzzling
: to confuse (someone) : to be difficult for (someone) to understand
The question puzzled me. [=I did not know the answer to the question]
The cause of the accident has puzzled investigators.
I was puzzled by his behavior. [=I did not understand the reason for his behavior]
Cite this Entry
“Puzzle.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/puzzle. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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