sudoku
noun
su·do·ku sü-ˈdō-kü 
: 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
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Sarah finally arrives at the sudoku and actually solves it. 
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2022 The study went so far as to say those who do puzzles like sudoku have brain function that is equal to 10 years younger than their actual age. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2022 The pressure is on Devin now, and since the second puzzle is another sudoku involving quick math, Emanuel asks for help from the other players … and Tori and Kaycee actually give him tips. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2021 In 2004, after a fan from New Zealand got a sudoku published in the Times of London, a global craze was born. Chieko Tsuneoka, WSJ, 20 Aug. 2021 Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games.OPINION— Newsom has been the leader California needs during coronavirus. Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2020 Poetry Foundation Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2020 Los Angeles Times Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2020 The Ultimate Puzzle Book is a new home delivery offer available only to print members who are eager for more crosswords, sudoku puzzles, and other fun and challenging games. Dallas News, 17 Apr. 2020 See More
Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 15 Sep. 2022 The study went so far as to say those who do puzzles like sudoku have brain function that is equal to 10 years younger than their actual age. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2022 The pressure is on Devin now, and since the second puzzle is another sudoku involving quick math, Emanuel asks for help from the other players … and Tori and Kaycee actually give him tips. Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2021 In 2004, after a fan from New Zealand got a sudoku published in the Times of London, a global craze was born. Chieko Tsuneoka, WSJ, 20 Aug. 2021 Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games.OPINION— Newsom has been the leader California needs during coronavirus. Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2020 Poetry Foundation Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 8 May 2020 Los Angeles Times Free online games Get our free daily crossword puzzle, sudoku, word search and arcade games in our new game center at latimes.com/games. Julia Wick, Los Angeles Times, 24 Apr. 2020 The Ultimate Puzzle Book is a new home delivery offer available only to print members who are eager for more crosswords, sudoku puzzles, and other fun and challenging games. Dallas News, 17 Apr. 2020 See More Word History
Etymology
Japanese sūdoku, short for sūji wa dokushin ni kagiru "the numerals must remain single" (i.e., the digits can occur only once)
First Known Use
2000, in the meaning defined above