Wordle is a popular word puzzle game that challenges players to guess a five-letter word within six attempts. Originally created by software engineer Josh Wardle in 2021, the game quickly gained massive popularity due to its simple yet engaging mechanics. It was later acquired by The New York Times in early 2022.

The game provides immediate feedback after each guess: letters turn green if they are in the correct position, yellow if they are in the word but misplaced, and gray if they are not part of the word at all. Using these clues, players refine their guesses to determine the hidden word.
Wordle encourages logical thinking, vocabulary skills, and strategic guessing. Many players start with a strong "starter word" containing common vowels and consonants to maximize information from the first guess. Since each player receives the same word daily, Wordle fosters a sense of community, allowing friends to compare their results without spoilers.
One of the reasons for its widespread appeal is its accessibility. Wordle is free to play and does not require an app download-users can access it directly from a web browser. Additionally, its simple design and once-a-day format make it a quick yet satisfying challenge.

The game has inspired various adaptations, such as Quordle (four words at once), Heardle (music-based), and Numberle (math-based). Wordle's success demonstrates the enduring appeal of word games and how a minimalist concept can become a worldwide sensation.