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
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use clue in a sentence
But there are likely clues to be found in Germán Goyeneche's outspoken passion for the buying and selling of art.
She believes the Illuminati are leaving secret clues in, among other places, the viral Kony 2012 video.
The Kardashian Look-Alike Trolling for Assad | Noah Shachtman, Michael Kennedy | October 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTNo such clues have yet been announced by the archaeological team at Amphipolis, a group led by Katerina Persisteri.
Amphipolis Tomb Yields Amazing Finds But Mysteries Linger | James Romm | October 17, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTHowever, the story of how Lyme disease first came to be understood offers clues to why the controversy persists.
Predator Doctors Take Advantage of Patients With ‘Chronic Lyme’ Scam | Russell Saunders | September 19, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTMacDonald at least clues in to my ignorance, but also demurs.
Scotland’s ‘Yes’ Campaign and the Myth of Scottish Equality | Noah Caldwell | September 18, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
Lowell surveyed the scene while Plenty Buffalo and the interpreter searched the prairie for more clues.
Mystery Ranch | Arthur ChapmanWe know not if she be alive or dead, although thousands upon thousands of dollars have been spent in following uncertain clues.
They Looked and Loved | Mrs. Alex McVeigh MillerMargaret regarded me with that neutral expression behind which she was accustomed to wait for clues.
The New Machiavelli | Herbert George WellsIn fact, his own trouble now was that too many mistakes had been made, too many clues had been left lying around.
The Winning Clue | James Hay, Jr.I once knew a man who gave away twenty dollars daily on clues from the day's news.
Average Jones | Samuel Hopkins Adams
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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