devinette

riddle, puzzle

noun duh-vee-NET Rare

Usage Note

Devinette is a playful word puzzle or riddle, typically posed as a question with a clever or humorous answer. The related verb deviner means 'to guess'. Children's books and party games are full of devinettes; the form poser une devinette ('to pose a riddle') is standard.

Examples

"Il nous a posé une devinette amusante."

Natural Translation

He posed us an amusing riddle.

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