STRAW
A thin tube made of plastic or paper used for drinking liquids.
The dry stalks of cereal plants left after harvesting.
Material used as bedding or packing.
To cover or thatch with straw.
Can also be a surname or part of brand names.
PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Connections definitions for September 14, 2026
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the September 14, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
CRAB
A crustacean with a broad, flattened body, a hard shell, and pincers, commonly found in oceans and freshwater.
A person who is habitually irritable or complaining.
A sideways rowing stroke used in crew (rowing) sports.
A type of cancer affecting the colon or rectum (colloquial abbreviation).
The term can refer to an animal, a slang term for a person, a sports term, or a medical abbreviation.
COOT
An aquatic bird with a dark body and white beak, commonly found in freshwater lakes and ponds.
A foolish or eccentric person, often used humorously or affectionately.
An old person, especially one who is considered slightly strange or stubborn.
A type of small, motorized vehicle used on rough terrain, also known as a utility vehicle.
The term can refer to a bird species, a slang term for a person, or a type of vehicle.
LEMON
A yellow citrus fruit known for its sour taste, used in cooking, baking, and beverages.
A car or product that is defective or unsatisfactory.
A pale yellow color resembling that of the lemon fruit.
Slang for something that is disappointing or of poor quality.
The term can refer to a fruit, color, slang, or a defective item.
BLUE
A color that resembles the clear sky or deep ocean, typically perceived as a cool and calming hue.
A term used to describe a mood of sadness or melancholy.
In politics, representing liberal or left-leaning parties in some countries.
A type of comedy or content that is risqué or inappropriate for general audiences.
The term can refer to a color, emotion, political affiliation, or style of humor.
CANARY
A small songbird, typically yellow, often kept as a pet or used in mining to detect toxic gases.
A type of early warning system or indicator, especially in technology or security.
A variety of yellow-colored fruit, such as a canary melon.
A term for a person who informs on others, similar to a 'snitch'.
Canary can refer to a bird species, a warning tool, a fruit variety, or slang for an informant.
TEAL
A small freshwater duck with distinctive greenish-blue markings on its wings.
A medium to dark greenish-blue color.
An acronym for Technology-Enhanced Active Learning, an educational approach.
A type of organizational structure emphasizing self-management and decentralized decision-making.
The term can refer to a color, a bird species, an educational method, or an organizational model depending on context.
RAT
A small, typically nocturnal rodent with a pointed snout, long tail, and sharp teeth, often found in urban areas.
A person who betrays others by informing on them.
A device used to remotely access and control a computer without the owner's knowledge (Remote Access Trojan).
An abbreviation for 'Rapid Application Testing' in software development.
The term can refer to an animal, a slang insult, a type of malicious software, or an acronym depending on context.
LOON
A type of large diving bird known for its distinctive calls and excellent swimming ability.
A slang term for a crazy or eccentric person.
A colloquial term for a dollar coin in Canada, often called a 'loonie'.
An informal term for a loon bird's call or sound.
The term can refer to a bird species, slang for a person, or a Canadian coin.
BAG
A flexible container made of material such as paper, plastic, or cloth, used for carrying or storing items.
A unit of measurement for certain commodities, such as a bag of flour or cement.
To capture or secure something, often used in hunting or sports contexts.
Informal term meaning to obtain or win something, like 'bagging a prize'.
The term can also be a surname, brand name, or slang in various contexts.
WHEAT
A cereal grain grown for its seed, used to make flour for bread, pasta, and other foods.
The plant that produces wheat grain.
The grain itself after harvesting and processing.
A pale yellow color resembling the color of wheat grain.
Wheat can refer to the plant, the grain, or a color; it is also used in brand names and as a surname.
CUTLERY
Utensils such as knives, forks, and spoons used for eating or serving food.
Tools or instruments used for cutting, especially in cooking or food preparation.
Collective term for cutting instruments in general, including surgical or craft tools.
The term is commonly used in British English to refer to eating utensils and can also refer to cutting tools in various contexts.
SNITCH
A person who informs on others, especially to authorities, often betraying trust.
A small device used to detect or report information secretly.
In the Harry Potter series, a small golden ball used in the game of Quidditch.
Slang for a minor theft or act of stealing.
The term can be used as slang and may carry negative connotations depending on context.
GOOSE
A large waterbird with a long neck, short legs, and webbed feet, known for its honking call.
A male goose specifically.
To poke or prod someone, usually in a playful or surprising way.
An acronym for 'Global Open Source Software Enterprise' in some contexts.
The term can refer to the bird, an action, or be used as a name or acronym in various fields.
STIRRER
A tool or device used to mix or agitate liquids or substances.
A person who provokes trouble or controversy.
A mechanical component that stirs or rotates within a machine.
The term can refer to both physical objects and metaphorical roles, and may also be used as a brand name or nickname.
STOOLIE
A person who secretly informs on others to the authorities, often in criminal contexts.
A stool or small seat used for sitting.
Slang for a barstool or a regular customer at a bar.
A term used in some regions to describe a stool sample for medical testing.
The term is often used as slang and can carry negative connotations.