Search results for 'riddle':

riddle¹ noun 1 a short and usually humorous puzzle, often in the form of a question, which describes something or someone in an obscure or misleading way, and which can only be solved or understood using ingenuity. 2 a person, thing or fact that is puzzling or difficult to understand. verb (riddled, riddling) 1 intrans to speak in riddles; to speak enigmatically or obscurely. 2 to solve, understand or explain (a riddle). riddler noun.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon rædels.

riddle² noun a large coarse sieve used eg for sifting gravel or grain. verb (riddled, riddling) 1 to pass (gravel, grain, etc) through a riddle. 2 (usually riddle with something) to pierce with many holes, especially with gunshot • The wall was riddled with bullets. 3 (usually riddle with something) to spread through; to fill • a government department riddled with corruption.
ETYMOLOGY: Anglo-Saxon hriddel.