PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the August 20, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A device that converts sound into electrical signals to transmit voice communication over distances.
A system or network used for voice communication.
To call or contact someone using a telephone.
An instrument for transmitting and receiving sound signals in general.
The term can refer to the device, the act of calling, or the communication system.
A punctuation mark (’) used to indicate possession or the omission of letters or numbers.
A figure of speech in which a speaker directly addresses an absent or imaginary person or a personified abstraction.
A mark used in some languages to indicate a glottal stop or other phonetic features.
The term can also refer to a rhetorical device in literature or be used as a name or brand.
A city in England known for its prestigious university, the University of Oxford.
A style of shoe characterized by closed lacing.
A type of cotton fabric used in shirts, known as Oxford cloth.
An abbreviation for Oxford University or related institutions.
Oxford can refer to a place, an educational institution, a style of shoe, or a type of fabric.
Consisting of, forming, or arranged in a series or sequence.
A type of story or program released in sequential installments.
A person who commits a particular act repeatedly, especially crimes.
A unique identifying number assigned to an item for identification.
The term can be used as an adjective, noun, or part of a name or brand.
A person from Hawaii or relating to the culture, language, or things of Hawaii.
A style of music originating in Hawaii featuring steel guitar and ukulele.
A type of pizza topped with ham and pineapple.
A type of shirt with bright floral patterns, often called an aloha shirt.
Can refer to people, culture, language, music, clothing, or food associated with Hawaii.
A mark used in Polynesian languages, especially Hawaiian, to indicate a glottal stop, similar to a brief pause in speech.
A type of apostrophe-like character used in some writing systems.
A symbol representing a specific consonant sound in certain languages.
OKINA is primarily a linguistic term referring to a specific punctuation mark and may also appear as a name or in cultural contexts.
A mechanical device consisting of a toothed wheel or bar that allows motion in one direction only, commonly used to tighten or loosen bolts or screws.
A slang term describing someone or something as uncouth, aggressive, or lacking refinement.
A tool used in automotive or machinery work to apply torque incrementally.
A term in finance referring to a clause that adjusts the value or terms based on certain conditions.
The term can be used as a mechanical tool name, slang, or in specialized contexts like finance.
A punctuation mark (,) used to indicate a pause between parts of a sentence or to separate items in a list.
A musical term indicating a slight pause or breath in a phrase.
In computing, a character used to separate elements in data formats like CSV (comma-separated values).
The term 'comma' primarily refers to the punctuation mark but can also appear in various technical and musical contexts.
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.
A substance that gives color to materials by reflecting or absorbing light.
A natural coloring matter found in plants and animals.
A powdered substance used in paints and dyes to provide color.
An organic compound responsible for coloration in cells or tissues.
The term can refer to natural or synthetic coloring substances in various contexts such as art, biology, and manufacturing.
Relating to atoms or the energy produced by nuclear reactions involving atoms.
Extremely small or fundamental in size or scale.
Describing something done all at once or indivisibly, especially in computing (e.g., atomic operation).
Informal term meaning powerful or impressive.
The term can be used in scientific, technical, and informal contexts.
A large, fast-flying insect with two pairs of transparent wings and an elongated body, often found near water.
A type of small aircraft with two sets of wings arranged one above the other.
A popular name for certain types of helicopters or drones.
A symbol or motif used in art and jewelry representing change and adaptability.
The term can refer to an insect, vehicles, or symbolic designs depending on context.
A spicy Italian pizza typically topped with tomato, mozzarella, and spicy salami or chili peppers.
An Italian word meaning 'devil' in the feminine form.
A style of pasta sauce that includes spicy ingredients like chili and garlic.
A cocktail made with vodka, tomato juice, and hot sauce.
The term can refer to food dishes, a word in Italian, or names of drinks.
A small hook or tail added below certain letters in some alphabets to indicate a different pronunciation.
A diacritical mark used in languages like French, Portuguese, and Turkish.
A typographic symbol resembling a comma placed under the letter 'c' to form 'ç'.
A mark that changes the sound of a letter, often softening it.
The term is primarily used in linguistics and typography.
A type of pizza or dish that includes a variety of meats such as pepperoni, sausage, bacon, and ham.
A person who prefers eating meat over other types of food.
A brand or product line focused on meat-based foods.
A slang term for someone enthusiastic about bodybuilding or protein-rich diets.
The term can refer to food items, describe personal preferences, or be used as a nickname or brand name.
A government program that provides financial assistance to people with limited or no income, typically including retirees, disabled individuals, and survivors of deceased workers.
A unique number assigned to U.S. citizens and residents for identification and tracking of earnings and benefits.
A general term for measures taken to ensure the safety and well-being of a society or community.
The term commonly refers to the U.S. federal program but can also denote identification numbers or broader societal safety measures.