clue
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.
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.
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.
to direct or point out by a clue.
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.”
clue in,
to provide with useful or reliable information: Clue us in on how these forms are to be filled out.
to make familiar or aware: Has she been clued in about the rules of this office?
Origin of clue
1Other words for clue
Words Nearby clue
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use clue in a sentence
It is literally on the infotainment screen, which is the clue that this is no ordinary volume knob.
Ford’s electric Mustang Mach-E is an important leap into the future | Dan Carney | February 12, 2021 | Popular-ScienceIn most cases, flattened vegetation and scattered hairs provided the team with clues of where the wolf had waited.
Wolves use ambush tactics to hunt unsuspecting beavers | Kate Baggaley | February 12, 2021 | Popular-ScienceWhen Timmerman wanted to restock a set of teaspoons, she hadn’t a clue as to manufacturer or pattern name, and the spoons had no discernible markings.
Replacing pieces of flatware or china can be a challenge. Here’s how to track them down. | Laura Daily | February 11, 2021 | Washington PostThose levels indicate where in the brain nerve cells are active, thus giving clues about mental processes.
Can privacy coexist with technology that reads and changes brain activity? | Laura Sanders | February 11, 2021 | Science NewsHedge funds have started to build algorithms or hire outside firms that specialize in scanning conversations on Reddit and Twitter for clues about what retail traders are thinking.
How the rich got richer: Reddit trading frenzy benefited Wall Street elite | Douglas MacMillan, Yeganeh Torbati | February 8, 2021 | Washington Post
A cynic might say that the report is like the movie clue, perfectly set up for a multiplicity of endings.
The worship that holds you for a few hours a week becomes, then, the clue to that deep truth inside.
The strongest clue is that piece of metal his wife chanced upon 23 years ago.
This particular bit of airplane was vivid with the possibility that it was a significant clue.
Martin was up on some of the more difficult passages, but managed to guess the wrong character from the clue of “Hodor!”
Amy Poehler and George R.R. Martin Play Game of ‘Game of Thrones’ | Alex Chancey | October 29, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAn estimation of the solids, therefore, furnishes an important clue to the functional efficiency of the kidneys.
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis | James Campbell ToddAt last the report of several rifles from the island of trees gave us a clue to the mystery.
If the finder knows who the owner is or has a reasonable clue to the ownership, which he disregards, he is guilty of larceny.
Putnam's Handy Law Book for the Layman | Albert Sidney BollesIf we knew more of it, we should see more clearly where religion and morality joined hands, but we know enough to give us a clue.
The Religion of Ancient Rome | Cyril BaileyHe sat down at a table near the door and searched the minds of the dancers for a clue to the meaning of what he saw.
The Man from Time | Frank Belknap Long
British Dictionary definitions for clue
/ (kluː) /
something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery
not to have a clue
to be completely baffled
to be completely ignorant or incompetent
(tr; usually foll by in or up) to provide with helpful information
a variant spelling of clew
Origin of clue
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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