First Known Use: 1582
Dictionary
1puzzle
verb puz·zle \ˈpə-zəl\
: to confuse (someone) : to be difficult for (someone) to understand
puz·zledpuz·zling \ˈpə-zə-liŋ, ˈpəz-liŋ\
Full Definition of PUZZLE
transitive verb
1
: to offer or represent to (as a person) a problem difficult to solve or a situation difficult to resolve : challenge mentally; also : to exert (as oneself) over such a problem or situation <they puzzled their wits to find a solution>
2
archaic : complicate, entangle
3
: to solve with difficulty or ingenuity <puzzle out an answer to a riddle>
intransitive verb
1
: to be uncertain as to action or choice
2
: to attempt a solution of a puzzle by guesswork or experiment <puzzle over the mystery>
— puz·zler \ˈpə-zə-lər, ˈpəz-lər\ noun
See puzzle defined for English-language learners
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Origin of PUZZLE
origin unknown
Related to PUZZLE
Synonym Discussion of PUZZLE
puzzle, perplex, bewilder, distract, nonplus, confound, dumbfound mean to baffle and disturb mentally. puzzle implies existence of a problem difficult to solve <the persistent fever puzzled the doctor>. perplex adds a suggestion of worry and uncertainty especially about making a necessary decision <a behavior that perplexed her friends>. bewilder stresses a confusion of mind that hampers clear and decisive thinking <a bewildering number of possibilities>. distract implies agitation or uncertainty induced by conflicting preoccupations or interests <distracted by personal problems>. nonplus implies a bafflement that makes orderly planning or deciding impossible <the remark left us utterly nonplussed>. confound implies temporary mental paralysis caused by astonishment or profound abasement <the tragic news confounded us all>. dumbfound suggests intense but momentary confounding; often the idea of astonishment is so stressed that it becomes a near synonym of astound <was at first too dumbfounded to reply>.
2puzzle
noun
: a question or problem that requires thought, skill, or cleverness to be answered or solved
: something or someone that is difficult to understand
Full Definition of PUZZLE
1
: the state of being puzzled : perplexity
2
a : something that puzzles b : a question, problem, or contrivance designed for testing ingenuity
See puzzle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PUZZLE
1599
Related to PUZZLE
- Synonyms
- closed book, conundrum, enigma, head-scratcher, mystification, mystery, puzzlement, riddle, secret
Synonym Discussion of PUZZLE
mystery, problem, enigma, riddle, puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes. mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation <the mystery of the stone monoliths>. problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern <problems created by high technology>. enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret <his suicide remains an enigma>. riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction <the riddle of the reclusive pop star>. puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution <the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police>.
Rhymes with PUZZLE
PUZZLES Defined for Kids
1puzzle
verb puz·zle \ˈpə-zəl\
puz·zledpuz·zling
Definition of PUZZLE for Kids
2
: to solve by thought or by clever guessing <She tried to puzzle out the crime.>
Headscratcher for PUZZLE
Puzzle has two opposite meanings. If something puzzles you, it confuses you. If you puzzle out a problem or mystery, you solve it.
2puzzle
noun
Definition of PUZZLE for Kids
1
: a question, problem, or device intended to test skill or cleverness
2
3
: something that perplexes : mystery
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