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

"It's a classic public service conundrum," he said.

From BBC

In fact, I wrote about this same conundrum in my book “Remixing Reggaetón” 10 years ago.

From Los Angeles Times

What a conundrum for Slot to have - one that is the envy of every football manager.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• enigma 
• mystery 
• riddle