Definition

A type of puzzle that involves filling a 9x9 grid with numbers so that each row, column, and smaller 3x3 box contains all the numbers from 1 to 9 without repeating any numbers.

Example

I enjoy solving a sudoku every morning to keep my mind sharp.

Conversation

Have you ever tried to solve a sudoku puzzle?

Yeah, I love them! They are so challenging.

I find them really fun, especially when I get stuck on a hard sudoku.

Same here! It feels great when you finally figure it out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Sudoku is derived from the Japanese phrase 'suu doku' (数独), where 'suu' (数) means 'number' and 'doku' (独) means 'single' or 'alone'. The term refers to the puzzle's requirement of placing numbers in a way that each number appears only once in each row, column, and grid.

Memory Tip

Think of 'suu' meaning 'number' and 'doku' meaning 'single' — this helps you remember that sudoku is a puzzle where each number must stand alone in its row and column.

Visually Confused Words