puzzle

puz|zle¹ [ˈpʌzəl] n

1.) a game or toy that has a lot of pieces that you have to fit together

→↑jigsaw

▪ a child's wooden puzzle

2.) a game in which you have to think hard to solve a difficult question or problem

▪ a crossword puzzle

3.) [usually singular]

something that is difficult to understand or explain

puzzle of

▪ the puzzle of how the sun works

▪ The meaning of the poem has always been a puzzle.

▪ He thought he had solved the puzzle .

4.) piece of the puzzle

a piece of information that helps you to understand part of a difficult question, mystery etc

puzzle ²

puzzle² v [T]

to confuse someone or make them feel slightly anxious because they do not understand something

▪ a question that continues to puzzle scientists

▪ He was puzzled by the reactions to his remark.

▪ What puzzles me is why his books are so popular.

puzzle out [puzzle sth<=>out] phr v

to solve a confusing or difficult problem by thinking about it carefully

▪ He lay looking at the ceiling, trying to puzzle things out.

puzzle over [puzzle over sth] phr v

to think for a long time about something because you cannot understand or solve it

▪ The class puzzled over a poem by Shakespeare.