Theme: Things With Patterns

Look for patterns everywhere, from animal markings and insect wings to geometry, textiles, and designs created to blend into the surroundings.

9 themed words All 26 letters covered Vowels shown in gold Consonants hidden in blue
1
  E     A
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  1. It is an African animal known for a striking natural pattern.
  2. Its coat is made up of contrasting stripes.
  3. No two individuals have exactly the same stripe arrangement.
  4. Its black-and-white markings make it instantly recognizable.
Reveal answer
Z E B R A
Background information
Zebra stripes are a naturally occurring pattern, and each animal has an individual arrangement of stripes.
2
  A   E  
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  1. They form repeating rises and falls.
  2. They can appear in water, sound, and decorative designs.
  3. Their flowing shape can create a repeating pattern.
  4. They often look like a series of curves or crests.
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W A V E S
Background information
Wave patterns use repeating curves or undulations and appear in nature, art, textiles, and architecture.
3
  I     A  
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  1. It changes direction sharply and repeatedly.
  2. It alternates from one side to the other.
  3. It is made from connected angled lines.
  4. A pattern of sharp turns alternating from side to side.
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Z I G Z A G
Background information
A zigzag is formed by a sequence of connected lines that repeatedly reverse direction at sharp angles.
4
  E   A   O  
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  1. It is a geometric shape with six sides.
  2. Repeating versions can tile a surface without gaps.
  3. Honeycomb is a famous natural example of this pattern.
  4. Its repeated shape is common in geometric designs.
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H E X A G O N
Background information
Hexagons repeat efficiently without gaps, which is why hexagonal patterns are common in tiling and honeycomb.
5
    E     O  
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  1. It is based on repeated V shapes.
  2. It is common in textiles, flooring, and graphic design.
  3. Its angled lines create a bold geometric look.
  4. A repeating V-shaped pattern often seen on fabric and designs.
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C H E V R O N
Background information
Chevron patterns use repeated V-shaped forms and have appeared in decoration, textiles, and architecture.
6
  O     A   O  
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  1. It consists of repeated round spots.
  2. It is a classic pattern used on clothing and accessories.
  3. The dots are usually evenly spaced across a surface.
  4. Its name is strongly associated with a playful spotted design.
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P O L K A D O T
Background information
Polka dots are repeating circular spots commonly used in fashion and decorative design.
7
  A     U A    
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  1. It describes intricately woven designs produced directly in fabric.
  2. It is associated with a specialized weaving method.
  3. The design is woven rather than simply printed on the surface.
  4. It is often used for elaborate floral or geometric textiles.
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J A C Q U A R D
Background information
Jacquard fabric uses a weaving method that allows complex patterns to be woven directly into the textile.
8
  U     E        
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  1. It is an insect with two pairs of broad wings.
  2. Its wings can feature spots, bands, and intricate markings.
  3. Many species have roughly symmetrical designs across their wings.
  4. An insect whose colorful wings often display matching patterns.
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B U T T E R F L Y
Background information
Butterfly wings display scales arranged into distinctive colors and patterns that can aid signaling or camouflage.
9
  A   O U     A   E
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  1. It is a pattern designed to help something blend into its surroundings.
  2. It often combines irregular shapes and multiple tones.
  3. It is used by animals as well as people.
  4. Military clothing is one familiar place where this pattern appears.
Reveal answer
C A M O U F L A G E
Background information
Camouflage patterns disrupt outlines or mimic surroundings, helping an object or organism become less conspicuous.

Pattern Trivia

🦓 Unique Stripes
Each zebra has its own stripe arrangement, making the pattern individually distinctive.
⬡ Perfect Fit
Regular hexagons can tile a flat surface without leaving gaps, making them useful in repeating geometric patterns.
🧵 Woven Complexity
Jacquard weaving made it possible to produce highly intricate patterns directly in fabric.
🦋 Wing Designs
Butterfly wings are covered with tiny scales whose arrangement and coloration create intricate patterns.