Standard Lemma guide

brainteaser

noun · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • General-American: /ˈbɹeɪnˌtizɚ/

1

noun

Meaning 1

A problem or puzzle devised to exercise the brain and mind.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • She bought me a book of brainteasers, which is both entertaining and also supposedly good for decreasing dementia risk.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: brain-tickler

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

Any difficult problem or puzzle.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: informal

Examples

  • Trying to figure out how to square this circle is a brainteaser to say the least.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: stumper, puzzler, enigma

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From brain + teaser.

Across languages

Translations

14 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Czech: hlavolam — brainteaser
  • Czech: oříšek — brainteaser
  • German: Kopfnuss — brainteaser
  • German: Kopfnuß — brainteaser
  • German: Denkaufgabe — brainteaser
  • German: Denksportaufgabe — brainteaser
  • German: harte Nuss — brainteaser
  • German: harte Nuß — brainteaser
  • German: Knobelei — brainteaser
  • Greek: σπαζοκεφαλιά (spazokefaliá) — brainteaser
  • Polish: łamigłówka — brainteaser
  • Polish: rozkmina — brainteaser
  • Swahili: chemsha bongo — brainteaser
  • Swedish: hjärngymnastik — brainteaser