Definition

Noun: - A story, typically a novel, play, or film, that centers on the investigation of a crime, especially a murder, and the process of discovering who committed it. The primary appeal lies in the puzzle for the audience or reader to solve.

Usage

The word "whodunit" is used to categorize a specific genre of mystery fiction. It focuses on the question "who did it?" and the logical deduction of the culprit from among a set of suspects. - She loves reading classic whodunits by Agatha Christie. - The film is more of a psychological thriller than a traditional whodunit. - The play's success hinges on the clever plot twists expected of a good whodunit.

Advanced Usage

• As a genre descriptor: The term can be used attributively to describe the conventions or elements typical of such stories.
  • The novel follows all the whodunit conventions: a secluded mansion, a limited cast of suspects, and a brilliant detective.

Variants and Related Words

• Whodunnit: An alternative spelling, equally common.
• Mystery (noun): A broader category that includes whodunits but also encompasses stories where the "how" or "why" is the primary puzzle, not just the "who."
• Detective story/novel: A closely related term, often synonymous, emphasizing the role of the detective in solving the crime.

Synonyms

• Mystery story
• Detective story
• Murder mystery
• Crime puzzle

Idioms and Fixed Phrases

• (A classic) whodunit: Used to emphasize a story that perfectly exemplifies the genre's traditional elements.
  • The new series is a classic whodunit with a modern setting.

Noun

1. a story about a crime (usually murder) presented as a novel or play or movie