cue
6 synonyms for cue, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A signal or prompt that tells someone it is time to act.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
clew
cue up
Synonyms by Meaning
1. noun
A signal or prompt that tells someone it is time to act.
“The actor waited for his cue to walk on stage.”
How to use cue
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
take your cue
right on cue
pool cue
Etymology
From Middle English "cu," originally an abbreviation for the Latin word for "quarter" used to mark small purchases in account books; the theatrical sense grew from marking cues in scripts.
Full origin of cue →Frequently asked questions
What does “cue” mean?
The word “cue” means a signal or prompt that tells someone it is time to act. In plain terms, a signal that tells someone when to act, or the stick used in pool/snooker.
How do you pronounce “cue”?
“Cue” is pronounced KYOO (/ˈkjuː/ in IPA).
How do you use “cue” in a sentence?
Here is “cue” used in a sentence: “The actor waited for his cue to walk on stage.”
What is another word for “cue”?
Words with a similar meaning to “cue” include cue up.
What part of speech is “cue”?
Depending on how it is used, “cue” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “cue” come from?
The word “cue” comes from Latin. From Middle English "cu," originally an abbreviation for the Latin word for "quarter" used to mark small purchases in account books; the theatrical sense grew from marking cues in scripts.
Is “cue” a common word?
“Cue” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “cue” have?
“Cue” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a signal or prompt that tells someone it is time to act.
What is the difference between a cue and a hint?
A cue is a signal or prompt that tells someone it is time to act, often with a clear, specific timing, such as an actor's cue to enter the stage. A hint is more indirect, suggesting information without necessarily prompting immediate action.
What is the difference between a cue and a signal?
Cue and signal are close synonyms, but cue often implies a prearranged prompt tied to a specific moment of action, such as in theater or music, while signal is a broader term for any sign that conveys information.
What is a cue in billiards or pool?
In billiards, pool, or snooker, a cue is the long tapered stick used to strike the ball. This is a completely different sense from the verbal or theatrical sense of cue as a prompt.
