Rebus

Definitions

1. An arrangement of pictures, symbols, or words representing phrases or words, especially as a word puzzle.
2. A pictographic component of a compound character (e.g. sinograph) used to hint at the pronunciation of the compound.
3. An arrangement of pictures on a coat of arms which suggests the name of the person to whom it belongs.
   specifically
4. A type of crossword puzzle in which some squares contain entire words, or symbols representing words, instead of single letters.

Equivalents

Examples

“I back him at a Rebus or a Charade against the best Rhymer in the Kingdom—has your Ladyship heard the Epigram he wrote last⟳ week on Lady Frizzle's Feather catching Fire—”

“The prior [Will Bolton] used to come⟳ out here to hunt in summer and recreate himself, and his rebus—a barrel or tun shot through with a crossbow bolt—is set⟳ into the garden walls.”

“Instead of spelling out card suits, for example, perhaps the constructor inserted a "rebus," or picture icon for clubs, hearts, spades, or diamonds in one answer⟳ box.”

“Rebuses are a vital part of cryptic crosswords and even themed standard crossword puzzles, as modernized under the leadership of Will Shortz at The New York Times, make⟳ use⟳ of rebuses.”

“In the cruciverse, a rebus refers to a crossword that violates the basic "one letter per box" rule⟳, requiring the entry of multiple letters - or even a number⟳ or symbol - into a single square”

CEFR level