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

Tanton also had an early and lucid understanding that climate change would exacerbate the country’s immigration conundrum, and it ultimately framed his life’s work.

From Salon

Virtually unknown is that Tanton also had an early and lucid understanding that climate change would exacerbate the country’s immigration conundrum, and it ultimately framed his life’s work.

From Salon

The conundrum is if they move away from growing coffee, they will turn to alternative crops or land uses.

From BBC

Mr Duffy says he will keep looking for solutions to his own retrofit conundrum.

From BBC

The intimacy, the sense that the audience is part of the conundrum — you can’t do that in a larger place.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• enigma
• mystery
• riddle