conundrum

American  

[kuh-nuhn-druhm] / kəˈnʌn drəm /

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.

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conundrum British  

/ kəˈnʌndrəm /

noun

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

2. a puzzling question or problem

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Etymology

Origin of conundrum

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

Example Sentences

While there are positive signs, it is obvious some conundrums remain the same for Djokovic.

From BBC

Is this not the conundrum of our time, and aren’t we fortunate to have this boor reminding us of this with each new episode?

From Salon

There's another conundrum, though - one that Ni Lochlainn calls the "chicken or the egg" problem.

From BBC

Solving that conundrum is the job of other people.

From Salon

Since Cronin is probably going to be around for a while unless things completely bottom out, it’s far more productive to focus on what he needs to do to salvage his current conundrum.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enigma
• mystery
• riddle