Whether you're brand-new to the world of jigsaw puzzles or you've been puzzling for years, it can help to understand the terminology that comes with the hobby. From puzzle piece types to puzzle cuts, our glossary of jigsaw puzzle terms breaks down the most common words and phrases you'll encounter. This list is helpful for anyone looking to sharpen their skills or understand the difference between a random cut and a ribbon cut.
Glossary of Jigsaw Puzzle Terms
Jigsaw Puzzle (also: jig saw puzzle, jigsaw-puzzles, jigsawpuzzles)
A game or activity where a picture is cut into various interlocking pieces that must be fitted back together to complete the image.
Edge Piece
An edge piece is a puzzle piece with at least one straight edge, typically used to build the outer border of the puzzle.
Corner Piece
A corner piece is a puzzle piece with two straight edges, located at the four corners of a rectangular or square puzzle.
Random Cut Puzzle
A puzzle where pieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, offering a more unpredictable and often more challenging experience. Many of our puzzles at Bits and Pieces use this style!
Ribbon Cut Puzzle
A puzzle with more uniform, grid-like pieces, often arranged in rows and columns. Common in traditional jigsaw puzzles.
Shaped Puzzle
A shaped puzzle is a jigsaw puzzle where the puzzle is in the shape of the design it is supposed to be. They often have curved or irregular outlines.
Piece Count
The total number of pieces in a puzzle. Standard sizes include 300-piece jigsaw puzzles, 500-piece jigsaw puzzles, and 1,000-piece puzzles
Interlocking Pieces
Puzzle pieces that physically fit together and stay connected, creating a stable, completed image.
Die-Cut
A manufacturing method where puzzles are cut using a die press, creating uniform or uniquely shaped pieces.
Puzzle Dust
The small bits of cardboard left over from the cutting process. It's common and can be easily brushed off before assembling.
Puzzle Mat or Roll-Up Mat
A soft mat used to assemble, store, or transport jigsaw puzzles in progress without losing your work.
Puzzle Table
A dedicated surface or foldable table designed for jigsaw puzzling, often with storage or sorting trays included.
Sorting Trays
Small containers or trays used to organize puzzle pieces by color, shape, or section before assembling.
Puzzle Glue
A special adhesive used to preserve a completed jigsaw puzzle so it can be framed or displayed.
John Spilsbury
A British cartographer and engraver who created the first dissected map during the 1760s, what we would have called a jigsaw puzzle. John Spilsbury is credited with being the inventor of the jigsaw puzzle.
Puzzle Swap
An event where puzzlers exchange complete jigsaw puzzles with others, promoting sustainability and variety. Check out our blog post on how to host a puzzle swap.
Speed Puzzling
Speed puzzling involves finishing a jigsaw puzzle in the fastest time possible. Speed puzzling can be done solo or with a team, and there are even competitions dedicated to speed puzzling.
Keep Puzzling and Learning
Understanding these jigsaw puzzle terms will help you choose better puzzles, solve them more efficiently, and connect with fellow puzzlers. Whether you're shopping for your next challenge or organizing a puzzle swap, a little vocabulary goes a long way.
Looking to grow your collection? Explore our full line of jigsaw puzzles at Bits and Pieces.
