Definition of puzzle

The origin of the word "puzzle" can be traced back to the mid-17th century, where it first appeared in the English language. The exact origin of the word is unknown, but there are a few theories as to how it came to be. One theory suggests that the word "puzzle" originated from the French word "pastiche," which meant "a mixture of various things." This theory suggests that because puzzles often have a mixture of pieces that need to be put together, the word "puzzle" might have derived from "pastiche." Another theory suggests that the word "puzzle" may have originated from the Dutch word "puzzelen," which meant "to evolve" or "to develop." This theory suggests that because puzzles require a certain amount of development and evolution to solve, the word "puzzle" might have derived from "puzzelen." Regardless of its origin, the meaning of the word "puzzle" has changed over time. In the 18th century, it was used to describe a difficult problem or question that needed to be solved. Today, the word "puzzle" is commonly used to describe games and activities that require navigation of complex and challenging situations. Some popular types of puzzles include jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, Sudoku puzzles, Rubik's Cubes, and brain teasers.