puzzles

Noun

puzzle (countable and uncountable, plural puzzles)

1. (uncountable) The state of feeling confused or mystified because one cannot understand a complicated matter, a problem, etc.; bewilderment, confusion; (countable) often in in a puzzle: an instance of this.
   • Certainly, Men in Great Fortunes, are ſtrangers to themſelues, and vvhile they are in the puſle of buſineſſe, they haue no time to tend their Health, either of Body, or Minde.1625, Francis [Bacon], “Of Great Place”, in The Essayes […], 3rd edition, London: […] Iohn Haviland for Hanna Barret, →OCLC, pages 55–56

   Synonyms:

   bafflement, perplexity

2. (countable) A thing such as a complicated matter or a problem which is difficult to make sense of or understand; also, a person who is difficult to make sense of or understand; an enigma.
   • Where he went after he left the house is a puzzle.

   Synonyms:

   anybody's guess, anyone's guess, conundrum, mystery, crux

3. (countable) Often preceded by a descriptive word: a game or toy, or a problem, requiring some effort to complete or work out, which is intended as a pastime and/or to test one's mental ability.
   • crossword puzzle jigsaw puzzle

   Synonyms:

   brainteaser, poser

See all 11 meanings of puzzle