Definition of hint
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a statement that expresses indirectly what one prefers not to say explicitly
had been dropping hints that he would like to be invited
b
: an indirect or general suggestion for how to do or solve something
helpful hints for inexperienced cooks can't tell you the answer but can give you a hint
2
: a slight indication of the existence, approach, or nature of something : clue
gave only a hint of what was to come
3
: a very small amount : suggestion
with just a hint of spice
hint
verb
hinted; hinting; hints
Definition of hint (Entry 2 of 2)
: to convey indirectly and by allusion rather than explicitly
a suspicion that she scarcely dared to hint
: to give an indirect suggestion or piece of evidence that leads one toward the solution of a problem : to give a hint
—usually used with at hint at the answer
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for hint
The first known use of hint was in 1604
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