Riddle

/ˈrɪd.əl/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A question or statement intentionally phrased to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning; a puzzling or ambiguous problem.

The teacher posed a riddle that had everyone scratching their heads.

A perplexing problem or situation.

The detective faced a riddle that seemed impossible to solve.

verb

To speak in or pose riddles.

He liked to riddle his friends with questions that made them think.

To pierce or perforate with many holes.

The hail riddled the roof with small dents.

Middle English 'riddele', from Old English 'rædla', of uncertain origin.

riddle me this

A phrase used to introduce a riddle or puzzling question.

the riddle of the Sphinx

A famous riddle from Greek mythology that posed a challenge to travelers.

solve the riddle

To find the solution to a puzzling question or problem.

puzzle

A game or problem that tests a person's ingenuity or knowledge.

mystery

Something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

conundrum

A confusing and difficult problem or question.

To pose a difficult question in a playful manner.

He riddled me with questions at the party.

To speak in a cryptic or confusing way.

She always riddles her advice; it's hard to know what she really means.