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

Explanation

A clue is a piece of evidence that helps solve a problem, or it's a slight hint. When you’re in the dark about the surprise party your friends are planning, they'll say, “She doesn’t have a clue!” When you first join the police force, you’re mostly just walking the beat. But when you’re promoted to detective, your job is to look for that big clue that will help you solve the case. The original Middle English word was clew, which meant “a ball of thread.” If you were trapped in a labyrinth, you could follow the clew to help find your way out.

Example Sentences

“This served as an early clue, and Tuesday night’s gap in U.S. equity futures on the two-week cease-fire agreement is thought to be particularly helpful for risk assets,” he said.

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

There is a clue as to what that “fundamentally new approach” might be.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

Again, demographics are a clue — this time within the professions, as there aren’t enough younger workers in the field to take the place of older ones as they retire.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 3, 2026

Tracking escaping hydrogen is critical because it forms when water molecules break apart, offering a direct clue to how much water Mars is losing.

From Science Daily • Mar. 27, 2026

Suddenly, Jack had no clue what to do.

From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley

Related Words

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