Follow Us on
Sturdy wooden containers (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: CRATES
Understanding the Clue
- CRATES fits naturally when solvers encounter clues about robust, practical storage or shipping vessels typically made of wood.
- Crates are open-slatted or solid wooden boxes designed for heavy-duty use, offering strength and ventilation while protecting contents during transport or storage.
- The word "sturdy" emphasizes their durable, reinforced construction, distinguishing them from flimsier options like cardboard boxes.
- Crossword constructors favor CRATES because it's a common, evocative term instantly recognizable in logistics, farming, and everyday contexts.
- The six-letter constraint narrows possibilities significantly, making CRATES the definitive answer among container descriptors.
Why CRATES Works for This Clue
- Material and strength → Traditionally built from thick wooden planks or slats, crates are engineered to withstand rough handling, stacking, and heavy loads.
- Practical design → The open structure allows airflow (ideal for produce) while providing structural integrity superior to many alternatives.
- Widespread usage → The term appears frequently in shipping ("shipping crates"), retail ("milk crates"), and idioms ("crate of apples").
- Contextual flexibility → Applies to various sizes and uses—fruit crates, ammunition crates, or moving crates—but "sturdy wooden" evokes the classic image.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Pattern Recognition Strategy → When you see container clues emphasizing "wooden" or "sturdy" with six letters, consider plural nouns ending in -S, as these often describe common multiple-item holders.
- Letter Placement → If you have crossing letters, prioritize filling in CRATES's distinctive letters - the opening C or the A-T-E sequence, which limits alternatives quickly.
- Context Reading → Pay attention to the puzzle's overall theme. Shipping, farming, or storage-themed puzzles heavily favor CRATES, while industrial ones might pair it with "cargo" or "pallet" clues.
- Synonym Expansion → Build mental categories for "containers" words by letter count - four letters (BOXES, BINS), five letters (CHEST, CASES), six letters (CRATES, CARTONS), seven letters (BARRELS) - to speed up solving across logistics-themed puzzles.
- Cross-Reference Method → Don't solve in isolation. Use perpendicular answers to confirm middle letters (R-A-T) which are key to distinguishing from similar words like "chests" or "casks."
Sturdy wooden containers (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could "CHESTS" also fit this clue?
A: CHESTS has six letters and can be wooden, but they are typically solid-lidded and used for storage rather than the open, transport-focused design of crates.
Q: Are there alternatives if the letter count differs?
A: For four letters, try "BOXES"; for seven letters, "BARRELS" or "CASKETS" might appear (though less common). Always verify the exact letter count specified in parentheses.
Q: How do I distinguish between similar container clues?
A: "Sturdy wooden containers" specifically wants open, durable transport boxes (CRATES), while "Treasure holders" seeks "CHESTS," and "Shipping units" might point to "PALLET" or "CARGO."
Q: Does CRATES ever mean something else in crosswords?
A: Yes - occasionally it clues a poor-quality car ("old crate") or appears in phrases, but context with "wooden" or "sturdy" clarifies the container meaning.
Q: What's the difficulty level of this clue?
A: This rates as beginner difficulty. The straightforward description and common word make it very accessible, though newer solvers might briefly consider "barrels" before arriving at CRATES.
