plural hints
1
: a small piece of information that helps you guess an answer or do something more easily
I can't tell you the answer, but I'll give you a hint. [=clue]
The book includes helpful hints [=tips] for inexperienced cooks.
2
: information about something given in an indirect way
Her face gave me a hint of what she was thinking.
especially
: a statement that suggests something that you do not want to say in a direct way
He's been dropping hints that he'd like to be invited to the party. [=he has been saying things that show that he wants to be invited]
When she told me how much work she had to do, I got/took the hint [=I understood what she was suggesting] and left.
"I have a lot of work to do." "OK, I'll leave. I can take a hint."
3
: a very small amount of something
The sauce has a subtle hint of garlic.
It was late March, but there was still a hint [=trace] of winter in the air.
He had a hint of a German accent.
They'll betray you at the first hint of trouble.
hints; hinted; hinting
: to say (something) or give information about (something) in an indirect way
—usually + that
He's been hinting that he might run for mayor.
I keep hinting, but she's not catching on. I think I need to be more direct.
The boss hinted about possible layoffs.
Cite this Entry
“Hint.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/hint. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
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