clue
kloo
Clue (noun) means a piece of information or evidence that helps solve a problem or mystery. Example: “Muddy footprints by the window gave the police their first clue.”
noun
1
A piece of information or evidence that helps solve a problem or mystery.
"Muddy footprints by the window gave the police their first clue."
"The detective found a clue hidden under the floorboards."
"His nervous laugh was a clue that he was hiding something."
2
The short phrase that hints at an answer in a crossword or puzzle.
"I got stuck on the last clue and had to look up the answer."
"Each clue in the puzzle hid a pun that made us laugh."
"The crossword clue was a tricky wordplay on "capital"."
How to use clue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hint or piece of evidence that points you toward an answer.
Memory tip
To "have no clue" means you have absolutely no idea about something.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
a vital clue
not have a clue
give someone a clue
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Word forms
- Plural
- clues
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Muddy footprints by the window gave the police their first _____.
Etymology
From an older word "clew", meaning a ball of thread — it traces back to the myth of Theseus, who used a ball of thread to find his way out of the labyrinth.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for clue
See all rhymes for clue →Frequently asked questions
What does “clue” mean?
The word “clue” means a piece of information or evidence that helps solve a problem or mystery. In plain terms, a hint or piece of evidence that points you toward an answer.
How do you pronounce “clue”?
“Clue” is pronounced kloo (/kluː/ in IPA).
How do you use “clue” in a sentence?
Here is “clue” used in a sentence: “The detective found a clue hidden under the floorboards.”
What is another word for “clue”?
Words with a similar meaning to “clue” include signature.
What part of speech is “clue”?
“Clue” is a noun.
Is “clue” a common word?
“Clue” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “clue” have?
“Clue” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of information or evidence that helps solve a problem or mystery.
What is the difference between a clue and a hint?
A clue is a piece of information or evidence that helps solve a problem or mystery, while a hint is a gentle, often deliberate suggestion pointing toward an answer. Clues can be found or discovered, as in an investigation, whereas hints are usually given on purpose. In puzzles, both terms overlap and are sometimes used interchangeably.
What is the difference between a clue and evidence?
A clue is a piece of information or evidence that helps point toward a solution, while evidence is the broader body of facts used to prove or disprove something. A clue is often a single lead that suggests a direction, whereas evidence can establish a conclusion. In detective work, clues are gathered and may become evidence.
