crossword
1 synonym for crossword, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A word puzzle in which answers are filled into a grid of squares based on numbered clues, reading across and down.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
crossword puzzle
How to use crossword
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
solve a crossword
crossword puzzle
crossword clue
Etymology
Formed from "cross" plus "word." The modern crossword puzzle was invented in 1913 by Arthur Wynne; the name "crossword" appeared shortly after, possibly as a shortened form of his original term "word-cross."
Full origin of crossword →Frequently asked questions
What does “crossword” mean?
The word “crossword” means a word puzzle in which answers are filled into a grid of squares based on numbered clues, reading across and down. In plain terms, a classic grid puzzle where you fill in words based on clues, crossing horizontally and vertically.
How do you pronounce “crossword”?
“Crossword” is pronounced KROS-wurd (/ˈkɹɒswɜː(ɹ)d/ in IPA).
How do you use “crossword” in a sentence?
Here is “crossword” used in a sentence: “She does the crossword in the newspaper every morning.”
What is another word for “crossword”?
Words with a similar meaning to “crossword” include crossword puzzle.
What part of speech is “crossword”?
“Crossword” is a noun.
Where does the word “crossword” come from?
The word “crossword” dates back to around 1913. Formed from "cross" plus "word." The modern crossword puzzle was invented in 1913 by Arthur Wynne; the name "crossword" appeared shortly after, possibly as a shortened form of his original term "word-cross.".
