What does "clue" mean?
A strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.
Clue
/kluː/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide.
- Grammar: clue is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: cue, hint, acquaint, advice.
- Useful contrasts: conceal, confuse, dead end.
- Usage evidence: The habits of highly intelligent people offer a clue as to how to do that.
How to use "clue"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "clue" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "clue" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "clue" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "clue" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "clue" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "cue" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "clue", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A strand of yarn etc. as used to guide one through a labyrinth; something which points the way, a guide. archaic
"she had even had in the past a small smug conviction that in the domestic labyrinth she always kept the clue."
- 2 evidence that helps to solve a problem wordnet
- 3 Information which may lead one to a certain point or conclusion.
"Give me a clue because the question is too vague."
- 4 a slight indication wordnet
- 5 An object or a kind of indication which may be used as evidence.
"The detectives were looking for some clues at the scene of the crime."
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Insight or understanding ("to have a clue [about]" or "to have clue". See have a clue, clue stick)
"I had little clue that I was being carefully monitored by the CCTV."
Verb
- 1 To provide with a clue.
"The crossword compiler wasn't sure how to clue the word "should"."
- 2 roll into a ball wordnet
- 3 To provide someone with information which they lack (often used with "in" or "up").
"Smith, clue Jones in on what's been happening."
- 4 Alternative form of clew. alt-of, alternative
"If the lee-side of the sail were clued up, the risk would be small compared with what it would be were the sheet nearly aft and the whole sail full of wind on starting the tack."
Proper Noun
- 1 The board game Cluedo whose goal is to solve the mystery of a fictitious murder.
Example
"The habits of highly intelligent people offer a clue as to how to do that."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "clue"?
Common synonyms include: cue, hint, acquaint, advice, advise, alerting.
How do you use "clue" in a sentence?
The habits of highly intelligent people offer a clue as to how to do that.
How do you pronounce "clue"?
Pronounced /kluː/.
Etymology
Variant of clew (“a ball of thread or yarn”), from Middle English clewe, from Old English clīewen (“ball”), from Proto-West Germanic *kliuwīn, from Proto-Germanic *kliuwīną, *klewô (“ball, bale”), from Proto-Indo-European *glew- (“to amass, conglomerate; clump, ball, bale”). Sense evolution with reference to the one which the mythical Theseus used to guide him out of the Minotaur's labyrinth. More at clew.