clue

American  

[kloo] / klu /

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.

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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 British  

/ 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

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verb

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

noun

1. a variant spelling of clew

Etymology

Origin of clue

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew

Example Sentences

The findings, which are related to a sensor in the nerve cells of the skin, might provide clues for treating chronic itch conditions.

From The Wall Street Journal

Researchers at MIT have uncovered new chemical clues in extremely old rocks that suggest some of the earliest animals on Earth were likely ancestors of modern sea sponges.

From Science Daily

An important clue comes from Hyperion, Saturn's small, irregularly shaped moon that tumbles chaotically in space.

From Science Daily

Investors will look for clues on the timing of the Bank of Japan’s next rate increase in speeches by BOJ officials.

From The Wall Street Journal

Markets are looking to China’s Two Sessions next week for more clues into Beijing’s policy path in the year head.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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