noun
clue
kloo
noun
1
A piece of information or evidence that helps solve a problem or mystery.
"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.
"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
Word Forms
clues plural
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “clue”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The detective found a _____ hidden under the floorboards.
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.