missing link

noun

1

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

evidence that was the missing link to solve the crime

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

After decades of snubbing fungi as parasites or passive tubes, the escalating tally of their functions has led researchers to consider mycorrhizae a missing link in climate studies. —Quanta Magazine, 6 Apr. 2026

The missing link in the Rockies’ early-season slide remains their offense. —Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 5 Apr. 2026

Lucy, Daughter of the Devil is the missing link between Home Movies and Bob’s Burgers. —Eric Vilas-Boas, Vulture, 18 Mar. 2026

Public education is the missing link. —Mike McGilvary, Sun Sentinel, 15 Feb. 2026

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