riddle
[noun]
Synonyms: puzzle, conundrum, enigma, mystery, poser, problem

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

I. rid‧dle¹ /ˈrɪdl/ noun [countable]
[Language: Old English; Origin: rædelse 'opinion, guess, riddle']

1. a question that is deliberately very confusing and has a humorous or clever answer ⇒ puzzle:
See if you can solve this riddle.

2. something that you do not understand and cannot explain Synonym : puzzle, mystery
riddle of
The police have been unable to solve the riddle of her disappearance.

3. talk/speak in riddles to say things in a mysterious way that other people cannot understand:
Stop talking in riddles and explain what’s going on!

4. a wire container with holes in it that is used to separate earth from stones

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

II. riddle² verb [transitive]
[Date: 1200-1300; Origin: riddle 'sieve' (11-21 centuries), from Old English hriddel]

1. to make a lot of small holes in something:
Two gunmen riddled the bus with gunfire.

2. to shake the coal or wood in a fire, in order to remove ashes

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲