head-scratcher

noun

head-scratch·​er ˈhed-ˌskra-chər How to pronounce head-scratcher (audio)
plural head-scratchers
informal
: something that is confusing, mysterious, or hard to understand
We love college football for nothing if not the belief—hope even—that at any moment the unexpected could happen. Young as it is, this season has already provided its share of jaw-droppers and head-scratchers.Holly Anderson

Examples of head-scratcher in a Sentence

why he chose to sink all of his money into a failing business is a real head-scratcher
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But this was more of a head-scratcher as George Miller’s Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga was roundly praised by critics and audiences after bowing at Cannes. Nancy Tartaglione, Deadline, 15 Jan. 2025 But Barone said the study’s findings are something of a head-scratcher. Sarah Garone, Health, 15 Jan. 2025 Though vapes are allowed in carry-on bags, this discreet packaging was definitely a head-scratcher. Terry Dickerson, NBC News, 9 Jan. 2025 Still, how those qualities manifest is something of a head-scratcher. Carl Anka, The Athletic, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for head-scratcher 

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of head-scratcher was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near head-scratcher

Cite this Entry

“Head-scratcher.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/head-scratcher. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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