stumper

[ stuhm-per ]

noun

1. a person or thing that stumps.
2. an extremely difficult question, task, or problem.
3. a person who makes stump speeches.

Word History and Origins

Origin of stumper¹

First recorded in 1725–35; stump + -er ¹

Example Sentences

In the new book, reader “Josh of Woonsocket, R.I.” poses the potential stumper: “Has humanity produced enough paint to cover the entire land area of the Earth?”

From Washington Post

But he couldn’t resist the allure of this scientific stumper.

From New York Times

"I know who I want for all the judges and propositions. But president . . . that's a stumper," Homer says as he stares at the ballot.

From Salon

Holznagel: Final Jeopardy! was a triple stumper about the title of a Sean O’Casey play “The Plough and the Stars.”

From Washington Post

Mr. Trebek, for his part, emitted few if any exclamations as he led contestants through the first round of clues; then a second, higher-stakes round dubbed “Double Jeopardy!”; and then “Final Jeopardy!,” in which players could wager all or some of their earnings on a single stumper.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• conundrum
• enigma
• problem
• question
• riddle
• secrecy
• subtlety
• thriller