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.

---

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

---

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

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

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 • Mar. 30, 2026

We've given you their positions and clubs at the time as a clue.

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

A closer look at the timeline provided another important clue.

From Science Daily • Mar. 20, 2026

Nancy opened her dance bag and pulled out the "taille" clue.

From "The Cinderella Ballet Mystery: Nancy Drew and the Clue Crew, #4" by Carolyn Keene

Related Words

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