clue

[ kloo ]

/ klu /

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See synonyms for: clue / clues on Thesaurus.com

noun

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.

clew (defs. 2-4, 6).

verb (used with object), clued, clu·ing.

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.”

clew (def. 7).

Verb Phrases

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?

OTHER WORDS FOR clue

1 sign, hint, trace, evidence, mark, key.

See synonyms for clue on Thesaurus.com

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of clue

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use clue in a sentence

You responded to each clue correctly before either of your opponents could.
Can You Pass The Cranberry Sauce?|Zach Wissner-Gross|November 20, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
You respond to each clue correctly before either of your opponents can.
Can You Snatch Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory?|Zach Wissner-Gross|November 13, 2020|FiveThirtyEight
Disoriented, without a clue where he might be in relation to the outside world.
Mushroom Hunting at the End of the World|Danny Palumbo|November 12, 2020|Eater
If she could go on a boat and across the world not having a clue what lay ahead, then I must have that confidence somewhere, too, she thought.
Recreating Historical Adventures in Old-Fashioned Gear|Ailsa Ross|November 12, 2020|Outside Online

An Internet search for the person has not yielded any clues.
Miss Manners: Decoding a job application response|Judith Martin, Nicholas Martin, Jacobina Martin|November 12, 2020|Washington Post
A new bunch of men had arrived—we felt like veterans as we gave them a hand at cluing their hammocks—and say, advice!
Over the Seas for Uncle Sam|Elaine Sterne

British Dictionary definitions for clue

clue

/ (kluː) /

noun

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

verb clues, cluing or clued

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

noun, verb

a variant spelling of clew

Word Origin for clue

C15: variant of clew

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

clue

OTHER WORDS FOR clue

Origin of clue

Words related to clue

How to use clue in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for clue

Word Origin for clue