clue

[ kloo ]

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 ( defs 2, 3, 4, 6 ).

verb (used with object)

, clued, clu·ing.

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 ( def 7 ).

verb phrase

1. 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

/ kluː /

noun

1. something that helps to solve a problem or unravel a mystery
2. not to have a clue
   1. to be completely baffled
   2. to be completely ignorant or incompetent

verb

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

noun

1. a variant spelling of clew

Word History and Origins

Origin of clue¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; variant spelling of clew

Word History and Origins

Origin of clue¹

C15: variant of clew

Example Sentences

The teams tackle clues that largely avoid history, geography and high art, instead dealing with memes, movies, TV, sports and modern pop songs.

From New York Times

He thinks the pearling probably has a functional purpose, and the new experiments offer a clue.

From Science Magazine

Not only does that global trend help explain Trump’s election and his recent re-election, but it provides some clues as to what he’s likely to do with that office the second time around.

From Salon

These analyses of hundreds of samples provide clues about the role dinosaurs played in the ecosystem around 200 million years ago.

From Science Daily

The bones they found in the sand were a clue that something more was buried beneath the surface.

From Salon

Related Words

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