maze: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick answer
What does “maze” mean?
A complex and confusing network of paths or passages.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A complex and confusing network of paths or passages; a labyrinth.
A complex system of paths, choices, or processes that is difficult to navigate; a state of confusion or perplexity.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Both regions use 'maze' and 'labyrinth' somewhat interchangeably, though 'labyrinth' may be slightly more formal/literary.
Connotations
Similar connotations of complexity and confusion in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “maze” in a Sentence
a maze of (streets/regulations)to be in a mazeto navigate/negotiate the maze oflost in a maze ofVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maze” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ancient walls seemed to maze the unwary traveller.
- He was utterly mazed by the complex instructions.
American English
- The convoluted plot will maze any viewer.
- She felt mazed by the array of options.
adverb
British English
- The wires ran mazely across the floor.
- He walked mazely through the crowded market.
American English
- The pipes were connected mazely behind the wall.
- Thoughts circled mazely in her head.
adjective
British English
- He wandered through the maze-like corridors of the old castle.
- The report presented a maze set of data.
American English
- The city's maze-like streets are confusing to tourists.
- They faced a maze bureaucracy.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Referring to complex bureaucratic procedures or regulations (e.g., 'a maze of tax laws').
Academic
Used metaphorically in philosophy, psychology, or literature to describe complex systems or states of mind.
Everyday
Describing a physical hedge maze, a confusing building layout, or a complicated situation.
Technical
In computing/game design, refers to a pathfinding puzzle structure (e.g., 'solving a maze algorithm').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maze”
- Confusing 'maze' (confusing paths) with 'maze' as a verb (rare). Spelling confusion with 'maize' (corn).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Traditionally, a labyrinth has a single, winding path to the centre, while a maze is a puzzle with branching paths, dead ends, and choices. In modern usage, they are often used interchangeably, though 'labyrinth' sounds more formal or mythological.
Yes, but it is archaic and rare. It means 'to bewilder' or 'to stupefy'. The adjective 'mazed' (confused) is also very rare.
No, they are homophones. 'Maize' is corn (from Taino 'mahiz'), while 'maze' likely comes from Middle English 'masen' (to confuse).
It is frequently used metaphorically to describe complex, confusing systems, such as 'a maze of regulations', 'a maze of corridors', or 'a maze of lies'.
A complex and confusing network of paths or passages.
Maze is usually neutral; used in both formal and informal contexts. in register.
Maze: in British English it is pronounced /meɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /meɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a maze of red tape”
- “to thread one's way through the maze”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the word 'AMAZE' (to surprise/astonish). A MAZE can be so confusing it is AMAZING. Or: A mouse gets lost in a MAZE.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE/DIFFICULTIES ARE A MAZE; BUREAUCRACY IS A MAZE; THE MIND IS A MAZE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'maze' used MOST metaphorically?