sudoku

noun
su·​do·​ku | \ sü-ˈdō-kü How to pronounce sudoku (audio) \

Definition of sudoku

: a puzzle in which missing numbers are to be filled into a 9 by 9 grid of squares which are subdivided into 3 by 3 boxes so that every row, every column, and every box contains the numbers 1 through 9

Examples of sudoku in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Our ordinary couple are happier in each other’s presence, playing sudoku when parties get in their way. Lars Brandle, Billboard, "Ordinary World Outshines the High Life In Ed Sheeran's 'Beautiful People' Music Video: Watch," 28 June 2019 Depending on the context, such a coloring can provide an effective way to seat guests at a wedding, schedule factory tasks for different time slots, or even solve a sudoku puzzle. Quanta Magazine, "A 53-Year-Old Network Coloring Conjecture Is Disproved," 17 June 2019 Related question: Is sudoku easier or harder with tools instead of numbers? Click the image to enlarge. Popular Mechanics Editors, Popular Mechanics, "Tool Sudoku Puzzle Answer," 28 Mar. 2019 Choose from dozens of puzzles and games, including crossword puzzles, sudoku and more. Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Puzzles and Games," 15 May 2018 Manager Joe Girardi said that Bird could still get something out of this camp, even if the most challenging exercise is a sudoku puzzle. Billy Witz, New York Times, "For a Yankees Prospect, Training Camp Involves Part Healing, Part Hope," 26 Feb. 2016 When retested after the prizes were frozen, Varshavsky — who in 2006 had also come under suspicion of cheating at a chess championship — could not solve a sudoku. Mike Selinker, WIRED, "Decoder Ring: Not Your Typical Scrabble Champ," 5 Nov. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'sudoku.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of sudoku

2000, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for sudoku

Japanese sūdoku, short for sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru "the numerals must remain single" (i.e., the digits can occur only once)

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