clue

1 of 2

noun

ˈklü 

1

: something that guides through an intricate procedure or maze of difficulties

specifically : a piece of evidence that leads one 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

Noun

• cue
• hint
• indication
• inkling
• intimation
• lead
• suggestion

Verb

• acquaint
• advise
• apprise
• brief
• catch up
• clear
• enlighten
• familiarize
• fill in
• hip
• inform
• instruct
• tell
• verse
• wise (up)

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

Noun

Most people make decisions based on limited information, but your chat history holds clues about your future path. —Jodie Cook, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025

The observations recorded by Hubble yield new clues about the history of Andromeda, which looks markedly different from our own galaxy's history, according to NASA. —Amaris Encinas, USA TODAY, 22 Jan. 2025

Verb

Especially after my server, noticing my delight in the dish, clued me in that bananas were the secret ingredient in the sauce. —Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Jan. 2025

From opening presents to wearing outfits to sharing updates, celebrities are clueing us into snapshots of their lives right now. —David Oliver, USA TODAY, 25 Dec. 2024

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

Phrases Containing clue

• clue in
• don't have a clue
• haven't a clue

Kids Definition

clue

1 of 2 noun

ˈklü 

1

: something that helps a person find something or solve a mystery

2

: idea sense 2, conception

had no clue what he meant

clue

2 of 2 verb

clued; clueing or cluing

1

: to provide with a clue

2

: to give information to

clue me in on the news