stumper: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Informal, occasionally used in journalism and commentary.
Quick answer
What does “stumper” mean?
A difficult question, problem, or puzzle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A difficult question, problem, or puzzle.
A person or thing that causes bafflement or stops progress. In cricket, a way of being dismissed (a ball that strikes the base of the stumps).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The metaphorical sense is understood in both. The cricket sense is specific to cricket-playing nations (e.g., UK, Australia, India). In US contexts, if used at all, it is only metaphorical.
Connotations
UK: Informal, sometimes playful. US: Slightly old-fashioned or quaint, less common.
Frequency
Uncommon in general use in both varieties, but slightly more likely in UK English due to cricket.
Grammar
How to Use “stumper” in a Sentence
That question is a real stumper.The final clue was a stumper for the contestants.The bowler got him with a stumper.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stumper” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The question completely stumped the panel.
- I'm stumped by this crossword clue.
American English
- That problem stumped me for hours.
- The detective was stumped by the lack of evidence.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A (The participial adjective 'stumped' is used).
American English
- N/A (The participial adjective 'stumped' is used).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. 'The logistics of the new supply chain presented a real stumper.'
Academic
Very rare. Informal synonym for a difficult problem in philosophy or logic.
Everyday
Used for puzzles, quizzes, or difficult personal decisions. 'My son's homework maths problem was a stumper.'
Technical
In cricket, a specific mode of dismissal.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “stumper”
Strong
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “stumper”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stumper”
- Using it as a verb (to stumper X). The verb is 'to stump'.
- Overusing in formal contexts.
- Confusing with 'showstopper' (which is impressive, not baffling).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is relatively uncommon in everyday speech. It is more likely found in informal writing, journalism, or in contexts involving puzzles and games.
Yes, but less commonly. It can describe a person who asks very difficult questions or poses challenging problems (e.g., 'He's a real stumper in meetings').
Both mean a difficult problem. 'Stumper' is more informal and often implies a single, specific question that halts thought. 'Conundrum' can be a more complex, paradoxical, or intricate problem and is slightly more formal.
Yes, absolutely. The noun 'stumper' derives directly from the verb 'to stump,' meaning to baffle or perplex. Something that stumps you is a stumper.
A difficult question, problem, or puzzle.
Stumper is usually informal, occasionally used in journalism and commentary. in register.
Stumper: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstʌmpə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstʌmpər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's a real stumper.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a TREE STUMP on a path. You can't get past it—it's a STUMPER. Similarly, a difficult question STUMPS you, it's a STUMPER.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIFFICULTIES ARE OBSTACLES / IMPEDIMENTS TO MOVEMENT.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'stumper' used in a purely literal, technical sense?