PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the August 28, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
The early part of the day, typically from sunrise until noon.
A time or occasion for starting activities or events early in the day.
A greeting used to acknowledge someone in the early part of the day (e.g., 'Good morning').
The term can be used as a noun, adjective, or greeting.
A common phrase used to wish someone a pleasant and restful sleep.
The title of a popular song by various artists.
A brand name for certain confectionery products.
An expression used to describe a pleasant or idealized dream experience.
Often used as a friendly or affectionate farewell before bedtime.
The highest or most desirable position or place in a ranking, competition, or location.
A prime or favored location, often in a physical space like a parking lot or seating area.
A leading or most popular position in a market or industry.
Can be used figuratively to describe rankings or literally to describe physical locations.
A period of time characterized by particular events, developments, or figures, often used in history or geology.
Earned Run Average, a baseball statistic measuring a pitcher's effectiveness.
Equal Rights Amendment, a proposed U.S. constitutional amendment for gender equality.
Electronic Research Administration, a system for managing research grants and proposals.
ERA can be an acronym, abbreviation, or a common noun depending on context.
A casual term for carbonated soft drinks, especially in certain regions of the United States.
An acronym for 'Point of Presence' in telecommunications, referring to an access point to a network.
A slang term for father or an older man.
A type of frozen treat made from flavored juice or fruit on a stick, also known as a 'popsicle'.
The term can be a common noun, an acronym, slang, or a brand name depending on context.
The time of day at 12:00 midday, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky.
A term used to indicate the middle of a period or event.
A slang term for a police officer (chiefly in some regions).
The term 'noon' primarily refers to the time of day but can also appear in names, slang, or other contexts.
A unit of time equal to 60 minutes or 1/24th of a day.
A specific time on the clock (e.g., the 3 o'clock hour).
A designated period for an activity (e.g., office hours).
A historical or religious division of the day used in some traditions.
The term 'hour' is primarily used to measure time but can also refer to scheduled periods or specific times.
A casual term for a male friend or brother, often used informally among peers.
An abbreviation for 'brother' in family or social contexts.
Slang for a stereotypical young man who is enthusiastic about sports, partying, or casual socializing.
A prefix in chemistry indicating a bromine atom in a molecule (e.g., 'bromo-').
The term can be used as a nickname, slang, or abbreviation depending on context.
The period of darkness in each twenty-four hours; the time from sunset to sunrise.
A social event or gathering held in the evening.
A military or work shift that takes place during the nighttime hours.
The dark or shadowy part of something, often used metaphorically to describe gloom or mystery.
The term can refer to a time of day, an event, or be used metaphorically in various contexts.
A female parent; a woman who has given birth to or raises a child.
An informal term for mother used in everyday speech.
A type of financial order called 'Market On Open' used in trading.
An abbreviation for 'Ministry of Manpower' in some countries.
The term 'MOM' can be used as a common noun, an acronym, or an abbreviation depending on context.
The act of maximizing or pushing something to its highest limit or capacity.
A slang term for aggressively pursuing goals or activities.
A brand name or product name in various industries.
An online username or alias.
Can be used as slang, a brand name, or a username.
A long, narrow mark or band.
A row of people or things arranged side by side.
A length of cord, rope, or wire.
A single sentence or verse in a text or poem.
The term can also refer to names, brands, or slang in different contexts.
An abbreviation for 'Secret Intelligence Service,' referring to a government agency responsible for foreign intelligence and espionage.
A common informal term for 'sister.'
An acronym for 'Student Information System,' a software application used by educational institutions to manage student data.
Short for 'Safety Instrumented System,' a system designed to monitor and control safety functions in industrial processes.
The term 'SIS' can be an abbreviation, slang term, or acronym depending on context.
To relax and feel comfortable, often after a period of stress or hard work.
A phrase used to wish someone a peaceful sleep or rest.
An expression meaning to be free from worry or anxiety.
Commonly used as an idiomatic phrase in casual conversation and writing.
Expressed or written in a system of symbols or signals, especially for secrecy or efficiency.
Programmed or written in computer code.
Concealed or hidden meaning within a message or text.
Marked or labeled with a specific code for identification.
The term can be used in technology, communication, and informal contexts.
A common phrase used to wish someone a good and restful night's sleep.
An informal way to say 'sleep well' before going to bed.
A phrase sometimes used to comfort children at bedtime.
Often used as a friendly or affectionate bedtime farewell.