TODAY'S WORDS, SIMPLY EXPLAINED
NYT Connections word definitions, without spoilers.
Plain-English meanings for today's words. No hints, categories or answers.
Definitions for September 3, 2026
Puzzle #1278MAX
The greatest or highest amount, value, or degree possible or allowed.
A common abbreviation for 'maximum'.
A male given name.
A brand name or acronym used by various companies and products.
'MAX' can be used as a word, abbreviation, name, or brand depending on context.
MATCHBOX
A small box designed to hold and dispense matches safely.
A brand name for toy cars and miniature vehicles.
A type of small container used for storing tiny items.
Slang for a small amount of something, especially drugs.
The term can refer to a physical object, a brand, or be used metaphorically in slang.
MAROON
A dark reddish-brown color.
To abandon someone in a remote place, especially on an island.
A member of a group of escaped slaves in the Americas who established independent settlements.
To become stuck or stranded.
The term can refer to a color, an action, a historical group, or be used metaphorically.
AVERAGE
A number expressing the typical value in a set of data, calculated by adding all values and dividing by the number of values.
A level of quality or quantity that is typical or usual.
In statistics, a measure of central tendency including mean, median, or mode.
A sports term indicating a player's typical performance, such as batting average.
The term can be used in mathematics, everyday language, sports, and statistics.
BLINK
To quickly close and open both eyes, usually involuntarily.
A very brief moment or instant.
A sudden or brief flash of light.
A fanbase name for the South Korean girl group BLACKPINK.
The term can refer to an action, a brief time period, a light signal, or a proper noun related to music fandom.
CARMINE
A deep red pigment derived from the cochineal insect, used in dyes and cosmetics.
A vivid red color resembling the pigment.
A female given name.
A type of red wine grape.
Carmine can refer to a color, a pigment, a personal name, or other specific uses depending on context.
SUM
The result of adding two or more numbers or quantities together.
A total amount of money or resources.
A brief summary or overview of information.
In mathematics, a function that combines elements of a set according to a specific rule.
Can be used as a noun or a verb; also appears in names, brands, and abbreviations.
FLASH
A sudden, brief burst of bright light.
A quick display of information on a screen.
A rapid movement or occurrence.
A type of memory storage in electronics.
Can also refer to a name, brand, or slang term.
COUNT
To determine the total number of items in a set or group.
To include or consider something as part of a total.
To have importance or influence in a situation.
A formal enumeration or census of a population.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and may appear in contexts like mathematics, statistics, or everyday language.
HEARTBEAT
The rhythmic contraction and relaxation of the heart muscle that pumps blood throughout the body.
A single pulse or beat of the heart.
A signal sent at regular intervals to indicate that a system or device is operating normally.
An expression of strong emotion or affection.
The term can refer to biological, technical, or emotional contexts.
CINNABAR
A bright red mineral consisting of mercury sulfide, used historically as a pigment and source of mercury.
A vivid red color resembling the mineral's hue.
A traditional pigment used in art and decoration, derived from the mineral.
Cinnabar can refer to the mineral, its color, or the pigment made from it.
TONKA
A brand known for manufacturing durable toy trucks and construction vehicles.
A slang term sometimes used to describe something large or heavy.
An acronym that could stand for various organizations or phrases depending on context.
TONKA is primarily recognized as a toy brand but can also appear as a name, slang term, or abbreviation.
HOT WHEELS
A brand of die-cast toy cars and related products produced by Mattel.
A term used to describe very fast or high-performance cars.
A slang phrase for something exciting or impressive.
Often recognized as a brand name, but can also be used informally to describe speed or excitement.
VERMILLION
A bright red or reddish-orange color.
A pigment made from powdered cinnabar used in painting and decoration.
A town or place name in some regions.
Can refer to a color, a pigment, or a proper noun such as a place name.
TRICE
A very short moment or instant.
To pull or lift something quickly using a rope or tackle.
An old-fashioned term meaning to tie or bind.
The term is primarily used in literary or historical contexts and is uncommon in everyday speech.
MICRO MACHINES
A brand of miniature toy vehicles and playsets popular for their small size and detailed design.
A term used to describe very small mechanical devices or machines.
A video game series based on the miniature toy vehicles.
Slang for tiny, intricate gadgets or tools.
The term can refer to a toy brand, video games, or be used informally to describe small mechanical items.
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