PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the September 17, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
The season of the year between winter and summer, characterized by warmer weather and the blossoming of plants.
A coil or elastic device that returns to its original shape after being compressed or stretched.
A natural source of water flowing from the ground.
To move or jump suddenly or rapidly upward or forward.
The term can refer to a season, mechanical device, natural water source, or an action.
A designated place where passengers can board or exit trains in an underground rapid transit system.
A stop or terminal for subway trains in a city transit network.
An entrance area leading to underground subway platforms.
The term typically refers to urban public transportation infrastructure.
The respect and admiration that someone or something receives based on their achievements or quality.
A high status or reputation achieved through success or influence.
A magic trick or illusion designed to amaze an audience.
The term can refer to social status, reputation, or a specific type of magic performance.
A three-sided polygon with three angles.
A musical instrument shaped like a triangle, struck to produce a ringing sound.
A geometric figure formed by connecting three points with straight lines.
A term used to describe a relationship involving three people.
The term can refer to shapes, objects, or concepts involving three parts.
A device for controlling the release of a liquid or gas from a pipe or container.
To lightly touch or strike something.
To access or draw from a resource, such as tapping a phone line or tapping into a market.
A type of dance characterized by rhythmic tapping sounds made by shoes.
The term can be a noun or verb and is used in various contexts including plumbing, technology, music, and dance.
To freely transfer possession or control of something to someone else.
To produce or yield something, such as a result or reaction.
To allow or permit something to happen or be done.
To present or offer something, such as attention or support.
The term can be used as a verb in various contexts and may appear in idiomatic expressions.
A system of communication used by a particular community or country, consisting of spoken, written, or signed words and the rules for combining them.
The method of human communication, either spoken or written, consisting of the use of words in a structured and conventional way.
A particular style or manner of expression in speech or writing.
A programming language used to write computer software.
The term can refer to human languages, programming languages, or styles of communication.
A structure that shoots water into the air for decoration or drinking.
A natural spring where water flows from the ground.
A source or origin of something, such as knowledge or inspiration.
A device in a pen that holds ink for writing.
The term can refer to physical structures, natural features, or metaphorical sources.
A deep hole or shaft dug or drilled to obtain water, oil, gas, or other liquids from underground.
In good health or satisfactory condition.
An expression used to introduce a statement or to indicate a pause in speech.
A structure or container that holds or collects liquid.
The term can also be used as an adverb, adjective, noun, or interjection depending on context.
To spring back after hitting a surface.
To reject or return something, such as a check or email.
To leave or exit a place quickly.
To cause a ball or object to rebound off a surface.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and appears in various contexts including sports, finance, and informal speech.
A pipe that carries wastewater and sewage from a building to a treatment facility or disposal area.
A channel or conduit for draining rainwater or surface water.
A line or route used for underground utility cables or pipes separate from sewage.
The term typically refers to infrastructure for waste disposal but can also be used in construction or utility contexts.
The parts of an object designed to be held or grasped by the hand.
Usernames or nicknames used online or in gaming communities.
Refers to the act of managing or dealing with a situation or task.
Slang for a person's last name.
The term can be used in various contexts including physical objects, online identities, and informal speech.
A British children's television series featuring a group of children who solve mysteries in their village.
The term is primarily known as the title of a TV show and is not commonly used outside that context.
A vertical or nearly vertical tunnel dug from the surface to access underground mineral deposits.
A deep vertical passage in a mine used for transporting miners and materials.
A narrow, vertical hole in the ground used for ventilation in mining operations.
The term is primarily used in mining contexts but can also appear in metaphorical or fictional settings.
The quality of being able to bend or change easily without breaking.
The ability to adapt to new, different, or changing requirements.
In finance, the capacity to adjust spending or investment plans as needed.
In programming, the ease with which software or systems can be modified.
The term can be used in physical, personal, financial, and technical contexts.
A large, muscular carnivorous mammal native to northern forests, known for its strength and ferocity.
A fictional superhero character in Marvel Comics with animal-like abilities and regenerative healing.
A nickname for sports teams, especially the University of Michigan's athletic teams.
A type of heavy-duty tool used for gripping or cutting.
The term can refer to an animal, a comic book character, sports teams, or tools.