crossword dictionary
B1Informal, general use.
Definition
Meaning
A word puzzle in which words are written into a grid of white and black squares, based on clues given for each word.
Any complex, puzzling situation that resembles the structure or problem-solving nature of the classic puzzle.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is a closed compound ('crossword') and is nearly always used as a noun. When referring to the puzzle type generically, it's 'crossword puzzles' or simply 'crosswords'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Slight spelling variation in the compound: 'crossword' (more common modern form in both) vs. the traditional hyphenated 'cross-word' (now rare). In the UK, the puzzle type is also commonly called a 'crossword' or 'quick crossword'. In the US, it's often a 'crossword puzzle'. The 'cryptic crossword' is a distinctly British type.
Connotations
Connotes leisure, intellect, and problem-solving in both. In British culture, it is a strong cultural staple, especially the cryptic puzzle in quality newspapers.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both varieties, with consistent use in media and everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
solve + crossword (direct object)do + crossword (direct object)work on + crossword (prepositional object)a crossword + with + clues (prepositional phrase)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's all a crossword to me (meaning: it's confusing or puzzling).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May be used metaphorically: 'Figuring out the new regulations is like doing a cryptic crossword.'
Academic
Rare, except in studies of linguistics, games, or cognition.
Everyday
Very common. Used in casual conversation about hobbies, leisure, and mental exercise.
Technical
Specific to publishing, game design, and puzzle construction contexts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
American English
- Not applicable as a standard verb.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He's a crossword enthusiast.
- She bought a crossword magazine.
American English
- He's a crossword puzzle fanatic.
- She has a crossword app on her phone.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like to do a crossword.
- My grandfather does the crossword every day.
- Can you help me with this crossword clue? I'm stuck.
- She finished the newspaper crossword in fifteen minutes.
- Cryptic crosswords are popular in British newspapers but can be baffling for beginners.
- Solving the weekend crossword has become our relaxing Sunday ritual.
- The constructor's clever use of anagram indicators in this crossword's theme set a new standard for elegance.
- Deciphering the politician's evasive statement was akin to solving a particularly devious cryptic crossword.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of WORDS that CROSS each other in a grid. CROSS + WORD = CROSSWORD.
Conceptual Metaphor
A COMPLEX PROBLEM IS A PUZZLE (e.g., 'Life's a crossword sometimes.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct calques like 'крестослово' or 'кроссворд' as a direct translation for a metaphorical puzzle—use 'головоломка' or 'загадка' instead.
- The English word refers specifically to the grid-based word puzzle, not all types of 'scanwords' or other puzzle grids common in Russian publications.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as two words: 'cross word'.
- Using 'crossword' as a verb (e.g., 'I'll crossword this afternoon' is incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is a distinctive British type of crossword?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
The modern, standard spelling is the closed compound 'crossword'. The hyphenated form 'cross-word' is now considered archaic.
No, 'crossword' is exclusively a noun. You 'do', 'solve', or 'work on' a crossword puzzle.
In a crossword, words intersect and are based on written clues. In a wordsearch, words are hidden in a grid of letters to be found by scanning, with no clues about their meaning.
Cryptic clues combine a definition and a wordplay element (like an anagram or homophone), requiring the solver to decode the clue's structure, not just understand the definition.