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

But now they are now clued in to their fortuitous timing.

From Barron's

Another region is rich in carbonate minerals, which often form in the presence of water and can provide clues about past watery environments.

From Science Daily

She had no idea which fungi needed more shade and less water, no clue how to read a book or brew a cup of tree sap tea.

From Literature

Another clue fell into place when a woman got in touch with investigators in 2003 about her father, who was last seen Aug. 10, 1999.

From Los Angeles Times

Watch the Conference Board’s consumer confidence index Tuesday and the manufacturing purchasing managers’ index on Wednesday for additional clues as to whether the war is weighing on the economy.

From Barron's

Related Words

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