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

• 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

Noun

The voice conveys subtle but powerful clues into feelings and meanings. —Carol Kinsey Goman, Forbes.com, 9 July 2025

Former Steelers defensive back Patrick Peterson’s usage could provide some clues. —Mike Defabo, New York Times, 9 July 2025

Verb

Over the opening notes of their Grammy-winning song, the headliner clued the crowd in on what was to come. —Sara Netzley, EW.com, 20 June 2025

Jones, who runs the Detroit PD's Missing Persons Unit, thought that perhaps clues to her overwhelming case load were buried underground. —Michael Kaplan, CBS News, 16 June 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

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

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