Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

cryptic crossword

Word Rarity Rare

Frequency: Zipf frequency 2.88 in modern English

Syllables: cryp-tic cross-word
IPA

31

Scrabble Score

16

Letters

3

Syllables

10

Unique Chars

Meaning

noun

A type of crossword involving wordplay and misleading definitions.

Example Sentences

"While celebrating our “graduation”, a handsome Scot bailed me up outside a pub and insisted I help him solve the cryptic crossword."

Inflected Forms

cryptic crosswords (plural)

Phrases

Crossword abbreviations

Frequently Paired Words

Crossword abbreviations

Questions

What does cryptic crossword mean?: A type of crossword involving wordplay and misleading definitions.

How to pronounce cryptic crossword

Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “cryptic crossword”.
Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “cryptic crossword”.
Repeat and practice — Say “cryptic crossword” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.