Whodunit

/huːˈdʌnɪt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mystery story or play that deals with the investigation of a crime, typically a murder, and the identity of the perpetrator.

The detective novel was a classic whodunit that kept readers guessing until the last page.

A genre of fiction that focuses on the investigation of a crime, often involving a detective or amateur sleuth.

She loves reading whodunits where the clues are cleverly hidden throughout the story.

A narrative or story that centers around solving a crime, especially a murder.

The play turned out to be an engaging whodunit that had the audience on the edge of their seats.

A portmanteau of 'who' and 'done it', referring to the question of the identity of the culprit.

whodunit story

A story that centers around a mystery, specifically one involving a crime.

solving the whodunit

The process of figuring out who committed the crime in a mystery.

detective

A person who investigates and solves crimes.

mystery

A genre involving suspense and the solving of crimes.

sleuth

A person who investigates; a detective.

A confusing situation where the outcome isn't clear.

That meeting was a total whodunit; nobody knew what was actually happening.

A puzzling or tricky circumstance in daily life.

Trying to find my keys in the morning is always a whodunit.