sudoku: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral, leaning informal. Common in everyday conversation about hobbies and puzzles.
Quick answer
What does “sudoku” mean?
A logic-based number placement puzzle where the objective is to fill a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A logic-based number placement puzzle where the objective is to fill a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.
By extension, any puzzle or problem requiring systematic, logical placement of elements within a defined structure; sometimes used metaphorically for complex, multi-part challenges.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning, spelling, or usage. The puzzle concept and name are identical in both varieties.
Connotations
Identical connotations of logic, patience, and mental exercise.
Frequency
Equal frequency in both dialects, given the global popularity of the puzzle.
Grammar
How to Use “sudoku” in a Sentence
solve [a sudoku]complete [a sudoku]do [a sudoku]work on [a sudoku]tackle [a sudoku]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sudoku” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- sudoku puzzle
- sudoku tournament
American English
- sudoku puzzle
- sudoku competition
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used metaphorically in team-building or problem-solving contexts (e.g., 'sorting out the supply chain is a real sudoku').
Academic
Occurs in fields like computational complexity (studying NP-completeness), cognitive psychology, or recreational mathematics.
Everyday
Common when discussing leisure activities, mental exercise, and puzzles in newspapers, apps, or books.
Technical
Used in puzzle design, algorithm development for puzzle solvers/generators, and discussions of constraint satisfaction problems.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sudoku”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sudoku”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sudoku”
- Misspelling as 'sodoku' (a disease) or 'suduko'.
- Incorrectly using it as a verb (e.g., 'I will sudoku this' – non-standard).
- Treating it as an uncountable noun (e.g., 'I love sudoku' is acceptable, but 'I did three sudokus' is the countable use).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is a Japanese abbreviation (数独, sūdoku), but the puzzle concept, based on Latin squares, was popularized internationally in the 21st century.
No, it is not standard. Use 'solve,' 'do,' or 'complete a sudoku' instead.
Sudoku is a purely numerical logic puzzle, while crosswords are word-based and involve definitions and vocabulary.
The classic is 9x9, but variants exist (e.g., 4x4, 6x6, 16x16, or with different shapes/constraints).
A logic-based number placement puzzle where the objective is to fill a 9x9 grid with digits so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3x3 subgrids contains all of the digits from 1 to 9.
Sudoku is usually neutral, leaning informal. common in everyday conversation about hobbies and puzzles. in register.
Sudoku: in British English it is pronounced /suːˈdəʊ.kuː/, and in American English it is pronounced /suːˈdoʊ.kuː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “It's not rocket science, it's sudoku.”
- “Like a sudoku for the mind.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
SUdoku Uses Digits Only, Keeping them Unique in each row, column, and 3x3 box.
Conceptual Metaphor
A SUDOKU IS A MENTAL WORKOUT / A SUDOKU IS A STRUCTURED CHAOS (requiring order to be imposed).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary objective in a standard sudoku puzzle?