First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1riddle
noun rid·dle \ˈri-dəl\
Definition of RIDDLE
1
2
: something or someone difficult to understand
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Origin of RIDDLE
Middle English redels, ridel, from Old English rǣdelse opinion, conjecture, riddle; akin to Old English rǣdan to interpret — more at read
Synonym Discussion of RIDDLE
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 <the mystery of the stone monoliths>. problem applies to a question or difficulty calling for a solution or causing concern <problems created by high technology>. enigma applies to utterance or behavior that is very difficult to interpret <his suicide remains an enigma>. riddle suggests an enigma or problem involving paradox or apparent contradiction <the riddle of the reclusive pop star>. puzzle applies to an enigma or problem that challenges ingenuity for its solution <the thief's motives were a puzzle for the police>.
2riddle
verb
rid·dledrid·dling \ˈrid-liŋ, ˈri-dəl-iŋ\
Definition of RIDDLE
intransitive verb
: to speak in or propound riddles
transitive verb
1
: to find the solution of : explain
First Known Use of RIDDLE
1571
3riddle
noun
Definition of RIDDLE
: a coarse sieve
Origin of RIDDLE
Middle English riddil, from Old English hriddel; akin to Latin cribrum sieve, cernere to sift — more at certain
First Known Use: before 12th century
4riddle
verb
rid·dledrid·dling \ˈrid-liŋ, ˈri-dəl-iŋ\
Definition of RIDDLE
transitive verb
1
: to separate (as grain from chaff) with a riddle : screen
2
: to pierce with many holes <riddled the car with bullets>
3
: to spread through : permeate <a book riddled with errors>
First Known Use of RIDDLE
13th century
RIDDLE Defined for Kids
1riddle
noun rid·dle \ˈri-dəl\
Definition of RIDDLE for Kids
1
: a puzzling question to be solved or answered by guessing
2
: someone or something that is hard to understand <His strange behavior was a riddle.>
2riddle
verb
rid·dledrid·dling
Definition of RIDDLE for Kids
1
: to pierce with many holes <My umbrella was riddled by hailstones during the sudden storm.>
2
: to fill with something unpleasant or unwanted <The report is riddled with errors.>
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