PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the July 29, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A buoyant material harvested from the bark of the cork oak tree, commonly used to seal bottles.
A small cylindrical stopper made from cork material used to close containers.
A city in Ireland known for its cultural heritage.
To stop up or block an opening, especially with a cork.
The term can refer to a material, an object, a place name, or an action.
A hard, round object produced within the soft tissue of a mollusk, valued as a gemstone.
A type of programming language known for text processing.
An acronym for 'Practical Extraction and Report Language' in computing.
A metaphor for something rare, valuable, or admirable.
The term can refer to a natural object, a programming language, or be used metaphorically; it may also appear as a name or brand.
A high-level programming language designed for ease of use, especially for beginners.
An acronym for 'Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code'.
Informal term meaning simple or fundamental.
A brand name or label used by various companies or products.
The term can refer to a programming language, describe something simple, or be used as a name or brand.
A small, U-shaped metal fastener used to hold sheets of paper together.
A basic or essential item, especially in food or supplies.
To attach or secure with staples.
A fiber used in textile production, measured by length.
The term can refer to a fastener, an essential item, an action, or a textile measurement.
The middle point or part of something, such as time, space, or a sequence.
An abbreviation for 'Musical Instrument Digital Interface,' a technical standard for electronic instruments.
A term used in sports to describe a midfield position or player.
An acronym for 'Minimum Internal Diameter' in engineering contexts.
MID can be an abbreviation, acronym, or a standalone word depending on context.
A single distinct meaningful element of speech or writing, used to form sentences.
A command or instruction given to a computer or device.
An agreement or promise.
A unit of data in computing, typically consisting of a fixed number of bits.
The term can also be used as a brand name, slang expression, or part of phrases.
A soft white or colored sedimentary rock used for writing or drawing on blackboards.
A piece of this rock shaped into a stick for writing or drawing.
A substance used by athletes to improve grip, made from powdered chalk or similar materials.
To mark or score something, especially in games or competitions.
The term can refer to a material, an object, or an action depending on context.
The color of fresh snow or milk, reflecting nearly all visible light.
A person with light skin tone.
A blank or unmarked space or surface.
A term used in printing to indicate areas without ink.
"White" can refer to a color, a racial or ethnic group, or be used in various technical and cultural contexts.
The darkest color, resulting from the absence or complete absorption of visible light.
A term used to describe people of African descent.
In printing, a color made by combining all primary colors or using black ink.
A term in finance meaning a profitable position or situation.
The term can refer to a color, ethnicity, financial context, or be used in various idiomatic expressions.
A flavoring derived from orchids of the genus Vanilla, commonly used in cooking and baking.
A plain or basic version of something without any special features or additions.
A term used in slang to describe something conventional or unexciting.
In computing, referring to software or hardware in its original, unmodified state.
The term can refer to a flavor, describe simplicity or lack of customization, and is also used in slang and technical contexts.
A precious or semi-precious stone that has been cut and polished for use in jewelry or decoration.
An outstanding or highly valued person or thing.
An acronym for 'Graphics Environment Manager,' a computer user interface.
A term used in gaming to refer to collectible items or currency.
The term 'GEM' can refer to a gemstone, a person's nickname, an acronym, or slang depending on context.
A small metal spike with a flat head used for fastening objects together, especially wood.
The hard, flat covering at the tip of a human or animal finger or toe.
To hit or strike something forcefully.
To achieve or accomplish something successfully, often with precision.
The term can refer to a physical object, a part of the body, or be used figuratively in informal speech.
A metal pin used to fasten two or more pieces of material together by inserting it through aligned holes and deforming the tail end to hold it in place.
To hold someone's attention completely; to captivate or engross.
To fasten or secure with rivets.
The term can also be used as a verb and may appear in various technical, industrial, or informal contexts.
A small lump of valuable metal, especially gold, found naturally in the earth.
A small piece of breaded and fried chicken, often served as a snack or fast food.
A small, compact piece of information or advice.
A small lump or chunk of any substance.
The term can also be used as a nickname or slang in various contexts.
A metal fastener with a helical ridge, used to join materials by being turned into them.
To turn or twist something with a screwing motion.
To cheat or deceive someone.
A slang term for sexual intercourse.
The term can be used as a noun, verb, slang, or technical term depending on context.
Not decorated or elaborate; simple and unadorned in appearance or style.
A large area of flat land with few trees.
Clear and easy to understand or recognize.
To express or state something clearly and directly.
The term can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb depending on context.