sixty-four-dollar question

noun

: a crucial question expressing the basic issue on a problematical subject

Word History

Etymology

so called from the fact that $64 was the highest award in the CBS radio quiz show "Take It or Leave It" (1941–48)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near sixty-four-dollar question

Cite this Entry

“Sixty-four-dollar question.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sixty-four-dollar%20question. Accessed 4 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!