Meaning & Definition of word "Whodunit"
Whodunit
/huːˈdʌnɪt/
noun:
- 1. A mystery story or play that deals with the investigation of a crime, typically a murder, and the identity of the perpetrator.
- Example: The detective novel was a classic whodunit that kept readers guessing until the last page.
- 2. A genre of fiction that focuses on the investigation of a crime, often involving a detective or amateur sleuth.
- Example: She loves reading whodunits where the clues are cleverly hidden throughout the story.
- 3. A narrative or story that centers around solving a crime, especially a murder.
- Example: The play turned out to be an engaging whodunit that had the audience on the edge of their seats.
Etymology
●A portmanteau of 'who' and 'done it', referring to the question of the identity of the culprit.
Common Phrases and Expressions
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.
Related Words
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.
Slang Meanings of whodunit
Meaning: A confusing situation where the outcome isn't clear.
● Example Sentence: That meeting was a total whodunit; nobody knew what was actually happening.
Meaning: A puzzling or tricky circumstance in daily life.
● Example Sentence: Trying to find my keys in the morning is always a whodunit.