jigsaw puzzle

[jig-saw puhz-uhl]

noun

1. Also called picture puzzle. a set of irregularly cut pieces of pasteboard, wood, or the like that form a picture or design when fitted together.

2. any complex, confusing situation, condition, or item, as one composed of seemingly diverse or unrelated elements.

jigsaw puzzle

noun

1. a puzzle in which the player has to reassemble a picture that has been mounted on a wooden or cardboard base and cut into a large number of irregularly shaped interlocking pieces

Word History and Origins

Origin of jigsaw puzzle¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Since joining in January, he has become the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle they needed last year in midfield.

From BBC

“The Stormtrooper scene was like a jigsaw puzzle. We had to mix a practical location with a staged set and then all the TIE fighter stuff was also shot on a stage.”

From Los Angeles Times

Children were offered books, jigsaw puzzles and soft toys - and the cells have brightly coloured murals on the walls, with posters carrying the Childline helpline number on the ceiling.

From BBC

He accused the prosecution of trying to force a jigsaw puzzle of evidence together, "stretching interpretations, ignoring alternative explanations because they don't align perfectly with the narrative".

From BBC

Arsenal are hoping they have found the final piece that will complete the jigsaw puzzle of their midfield.

From BBC