clue

[kloo]

noun

1. anything that serves to guide or direct in the solution of a problem, mystery, etc..

   It is up to Aurora to piece together the clues and solve the murder before she becomes the next victim.

   Synonyms: key, mark, evidence, trace, hint, sign

2. a phrase or word provided as a hint to help find an answer or response in a crossword puzzle, on a game show, etc..

   The celebrity editor's name was featured as a clue on the long-running quiz show.

3. an insight into or knowledge about something.

   As a kid from the suburbs, Patrick has lived a sheltered life and doesn't have a clue how to survive on his own.

4. clew.

verb (used with object)

clued, cluing 

1. to direct or point out by a clue.

2. to help find (an answer in a puzzle or quiz) by providing a clue.

   The four-letter “nose” was clued as “characteristic smell of wine.”

3. clew.

verb phrase

1. clue in

   1. to provide with useful or reliable information.

      Clue us in on how these forms are to be filled out.

   2. to make familiar or aware.

      Has she been clued in about the rules of this office?

clue

/ kluː /

noun

1. something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery

2. 1. to be completely baffled

   2. to be completely ignorant or incompetent

verb

1. (tr; usually foll by in or up) to provide with helpful information

noun

1. a variant spelling of clew

Word History and Origins

Origin of clue¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew

Word History and Origins

Origin of clue¹

C15: variant of _clew

Example Sentences

But if the inverted ordering proves correct, this research suggests neutrinos could indeed violate CP symmetry, offering a powerful clue to why matter exists.

Read more on Science Daily

The idea that appeals to him the most comes from a crumb of a clue in Follett’s archives — a letter from the sailor Anderson that Follett received a short time before her disappearance.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Listeners spent the weekend looking for clues in the couple’s “Architectural Digest” home tour and their red carpet appearances.

Read more on Salon

“I had no clue until they announced it, but it feels good,” said Destler, one of seven Sailors who finished with at least five kills.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

These are clues that the system is not working as well as it should.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• cue 
• indication 
• inkling 
• key 
• pointer 
• proof 
• solution 
• suggestion 
• tip 
• trace