clue

Definition

noun

verb
Did you know?



clue
1 of 2
noun
;kl;
Synonyms of clue
1
: something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties
specifically : a piece of evidence that leads toward the solution of a problem
2
: idea, notion
had no clue what he meant
clue

2 of 2
verb
clued; clueing or cluing
transitive verb

1
: to provide with a clue
2
: to give reliable information to
he clued me in on how it happened


Did you know?
The word clue was originally a variant spelling of clew, meaning “ball of thread or yarn.” Our modern sense of clue, “guide to the solution of a mystery,” grows out of a motif in myth and folklore, the ball of thread that helps in finding one’s way out of a maze. Of these stories the best known is the myth of Theseus and the Minotaur. In the myth, Theseus unravels a ball of thread as he searches for the monstrous Minotaur in the Labyrinth. After killing the Minotaur, he retraces his steps out of the maze by rewinding the thread.

Synonyms of clue
Relevance
Noun

indication
hint
cue
suggestion
Verb

inform
tell
advise
Examples of clue in a Sentence
Noun
The book gives the reader plenty of clues to solve the mystery.
Science gives us clues about the origin of the universe.
“Guess who I met today.” “Can you give me a clue?”
It gives a clue as to how to proceed.
Verb
would you clue him in on the plan?
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
The imprint, alone a unique find, might hold invaluable clues about a group that, despite their violent intentions, constructed technologically advanced vessels long before scientists thought possible.
—Maria Mocerino, Interesting Engineering, 15 Dec. 2025
Scientists often look to Australia, where flu season hits between April and October — winter in the Southern Hemisphere — for clues as to what could be coming to countries in the Northern Hemisphere.
—Brenda Goodman, CNN Money, 13 Dec. 2025
Verb
Even off the stage, Arnett clues you in to Alex’s recessiveness, his discomfort at being the center of attention.
—Justin Chang, New Yorker, 12 Dec. 2025
Rub marks or missing paint can also clue you in.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 4 Dec. 2025

Word History
Etymology
Noun

alteration of clew

First Known Use
Noun

circa 1665, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1934, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of clue was circa 1665
See more words from the same year
Phrases Containing clue
clue in
don't have a clue
haven't a clue
Rhymes for clue
blew
blue
boo
brew
chew
chou
coo
coup
crew
cue
dew
do
Browse Nearby Words
cluck
clue
clued up