puzzle box

American  

noun

Psychology.

1. an enclosure, used in experiments in animal learning, from which an animal must escape or in which it must manipulate various devices.

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Etymology

Origin of puzzle box

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

Squirrels should be smart enough to take the easy pickings over the puzzle box.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2026

Led by Dr Alice Bridges and Professor Lars Chittka , the research team designed a two-step puzzle box requiring bumblebees to perform two distinct actions in sequence to access a sweet reward at the end.

From Science Daily • Mar. 6, 2024

This puzzle box of a play conceals conspiracies inside a master conspiracy.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2024

Using the same test given to species like chimps to see how the animals share information with one another, researchers gave bumblebees a puzzle box with red or blue tabs.

From Salon • Nov. 16, 2023

Once I’ve worn myself out, I point to the puzzle box.

From "Keeping Pace" by Laurie Morrison