cryptic definition

English

Noun

cryptic definition (plural cryptic definitions)

  1. (crosswording) A cryptic crossword clue with no wordplay element.
    • 2013 May 1, T. Campbell, On Crosswords: Thoughts, Studies, Facts and Snark About a 100-Year-Old Pastime, Morgan James Publishing, →ISBN, page 150:
      Cryptic definitions are the clues you see with question marks in American puzzles, denoting Burns and Allen-style puns.
    • 2014, Henry Howarth, Learn How to Solve Cryptic Crosswords: A Course for Beginners, Lulu.com, →ISBN, page 89:
      Cryptic definition clues lack the structure, logic and format of the other types of clue, but they can be aesthetically pleasing and are a type of clue particularly enjoyed by many solvers.
    • 2020 August 20, Telegraph Media Group Ltd, The Telegraph: How To Solve a Cryptic Crossword: Mastering cryptic crosswords made easy, Hachette UK, →ISBN, page 12:
      Spotting a cryptic definition clue can be difficult, but there are commonly one or two, sometimes more, in a typical Telegraph Crossword.
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