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 something that almost never happens in the NFL because finding a new quarterback is one of the game’s most maddening conundrums.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s a constant conundrum of global athletic events, pursued as chalices by complicated hosts.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Meanwhile, investors watching the price rocket higher face a conundrum.

Read more on MarketWatch

That same conundrum is being faced by companies across the U.S.—and earnings season, which starts in earnest later this week, will reveal how Corporate America is trying to solve it.

Read more on Barron's

He eventually found the funny in that conundrum as well, incorporating the memory into his routine with satiric glee.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enigma 
• mystery 
• riddle