missing link

noun

1

: an absent member needed to complete a series or resolve a problem

2

a

: a hypothetical intermediate evolutionary form between humans and their presumed simian progenitors

b

: a hypothetical intermediate evolutionary form between one animal species or group and its presumed ancestors

a missing link between reptiles and birds

Examples of missing link in a Sentence

Police are hopeful that the new evidence will provide the missing links needed to solve the crime.

scientists searching for the missing link

Recent Examples on the Web

The Royals could use an offensive spark from their outfielders, and former MLB executive Jim Bowden suggests Jorge Soler to be the missing link. —Hunter Mulholland, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 May 2025

This study identified a missing link in this rich and complex history of language. —Stephanie Edwards, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025

But there’s one missing link Intuit Dome is a sleek, joyous piece of modern architecture with much to love, just like its neighbor, SoFi Stadium. —Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

For leaders, creatives and decision-makers, mindful movement may be the missing link between chronic depletion and sustainable excellence. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1851, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for missing link

• bobolink
• countersink
• bethink
• downlink
• groupthink
• hoodwink
• rethink
• uplink
• blink
• brink
• chink
• cinque

Kids Definition

missing link

noun

: a form of animal believed to have existed that shares characteristics with one animal group and the ancestors from which the group is thought to have evolved but has not been discovered in the fossil record

find the missing link between humans and apes