riddle

/ˈri-dᵊl/

Middle English redels, ridel, from Old English rǣdelse opinion, conjecture, riddle; akin to Old English rǣdan to interpret

noun

  1. a mystifying, misleading, or puzzling question posed as a problem to be solved or guessed : conundrum, enigma

  2. something or someone difficult to understand

mystery problem enigma riddle puzzle mean something which baffles or perplexes. mystery applies to what cannot be fully understood by reason or less strictly to whatever resists or defies explanation. problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern.

verb

  1. to speak in or propound riddles

  2. to find the solution of : explain

  3. to set a riddle for : puzzle

noun

  1. a coarse sieve