conundrum

[kuh-nuhn-druhm]

noun

1. a riddle, the answer to which involves a pun or play on words, as What is black and white and read all over? A newspaper.

2. anything that puzzles.

conundrum

/ kəˈnʌndrəm /

noun

1. a riddle, esp one whose answer makes a play on words

2. a puzzling question or problem

Word History and Origins

Origin of conundrum¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; pseudo-Latin word of obscure origin

Word History and Origins

Origin of conundrum¹

C16: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Award-winning biographer Wilson approaches the life of Scottish writer Muriel Spark as a series of puzzles and conundrums to be teased out.

From Los Angeles Times

We are in a constant conundrum because we have been through so many managers and so many players, but we seem to still be repeating the same patterns.

From BBC

There is a conundrum for the leading men's players to solve at the US Open.

From BBC

Similar to counterpart Ruben Amorim across the city, the managers of both Manchester clubs each have a goalkeeping conundrum to deal with if they are to claw their way back to the top.

From BBC

In 1935, Congress addressed the conundrum by mandating that the Social Security Administration invest its reserves only in U.S.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enigma 
• mystery 
• riddle