/ ˈpʌzl; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
a game, etc. that you have to think about carefully in order to answer it or do it :
a crossword puzzle
a book of puzzles for children
2.
( especially NAmE ) = jigsaw
3.
[ usually sing. ] something that is difficult to understand or explain
SYN mystery
■ verb
[ vn ] to make sb feel confused because they do not understand sth
SYN baffle :
What puzzles me is why he left the country without telling anyone.
► puz·zling / ˈpʌzlɪŋ; NAmE / adjective :
one of the most puzzling aspects of the crime
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PHRASAL VERBS
- puzzle over / about sth
- puzzle sth out
••
WORD ORIGIN
late 16th cent. (as a verb): of unknown origin.