noun
Uncommon
cue
KYOO
Cue (noun) means a signal or prompt that tells someone it is time to act. Example: “The actor waited for his cue to walk on stage.”
noun
1
A signal or prompt that tells someone it is time to act.
"The actor waited for his cue to walk on stage."
"A green light is the cue to start walking."
"When the music changed, the dancers took it as their cue to leave the floor."
2
A long tapered stick used to strike the ball in billiards, pool, or snooker.
"He chalked the tip of his cue before taking the shot."
"She lined up her cue carefully and potted the black ball."
"The pub kept a spare cue on the wall for beginners."
verb
1
To give someone a signal to begin or continue an action.
"The director cued the band to start playing."
"The stage manager cued the lights as the curtain rose."
"Wait until the host cues you, then walk out and wave."
How to use cue
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA signal that tells someone when to act, or the stick used in pool/snooker.
Common mistake
Don't confuse with "queue" (a waiting line) — they sound identical but mean very different things.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
take your cue
right on cue
pool cue
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Word forms
- Plural
- cues
- Third person singular
- cues
- Past tense
- cued
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The actor waited for his _____ to walk on stage.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for cue
See all rhymes for 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.
