PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the September 21, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
To create or put together written text, music, or other artistic work.
To calm or settle oneself or others.
To arrange or combine parts to form a whole.
To set up or prepare something carefully, such as a photograph or message.
The term can be used as a verb in various contexts including writing, music, photography, and emotional regulation.
To examine or inspect something to ensure accuracy, quality, or condition.
A written order directing a bank to pay money from an account.
To stop or slow the progress of something.
In chess, a move that threatens the opponent's king.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and appears in various contexts including finance, games, and everyday language.
To move through the air using wings or an aircraft.
A small insect capable of flying.
The zipper on a pair of pants.
To travel quickly or suddenly.
Can be a verb, noun, name, or slang term depending on context.
A root vegetable with a deep red or purple color, commonly used in cooking and salads.
The edible root of the beet plant, also called beetroot.
A plant of the species Beta vulgaris, cultivated for its edible root and leaves.
Slang term for a person's head or brain.
Can refer to the vegetable, the plant, or be used informally as slang.
A casual slang term for 'bro' or 'brother,' used to address a friend or peer.
A term used in surfing and skateboarding communities to refer to a fellow enthusiast.
An informal greeting or expression of camaraderie among young people.
Sometimes used to emphasize surprise or disbelief in conversation.
Commonly used in informal speech and text, especially among younger speakers; can also appear as a nickname or brand name.
A small, soft-bodied, legless invertebrate animal that typically lives in soil or water.
An acronym for Write Once Read Many, a type of data storage technology.
A malicious computer program that replicates itself to spread to other computers.
Slang for a contemptible or weak person.
The term can refer to animals, technology, or be used as slang.
Unsolicited or irrelevant messages sent over the internet, typically to a large number of users, often for advertising purposes.
A brand of canned cooked pork made by Hormel Foods.
Excessive or repetitive messages sent in online forums or chat rooms to disrupt conversation.
To send the same message repeatedly to a person or group, often to annoy or overwhelm them.
The term can refer to a food product, unwanted electronic messages, or the act of sending such messages.
A friend, companion, or partner, especially in informal British and Australian English.
A spouse or romantic partner.
A ship officer ranking below the captain.
To pair animals for breeding.
The term can be used as a casual greeting or form of address in some English-speaking regions.
A large fortified building or group of buildings with thick walls, typically built in medieval times for defense and residence of nobility.
A chess piece that moves in a special way, also known as a rook.
To move a chess king and rook simultaneously in a special defensive move called castling.
A type of structure or formation resembling a castle, such as sandcastle or ice castle.
The term can refer to historical buildings, chess terminology, or metaphorical uses in various contexts.
A close friend or companion.
Small pieces of bait fish used to attract larger fish.
A member of a group or organization, often used informally.
An acronym for 'Chronic Hepatitis Using Medication' in medical contexts.
The term can be used as a casual term for a friend, a fishing term, or an acronym in specialized fields.
An oral examination or defense, especially for a thesis or academic qualification.
A lively expression of approval or encouragement, similar to 'long live'.
The name of a television channel or media brand.
An acronym for various organizations or initiatives, depending on context.
VIVA can be a formal academic term, a cheer, a brand name, or an acronym.
Past tense of 'send,' meaning to have caused something to go or be taken to a particular destination.
An acronym for Single-Ended Nibble Transmission in computing.
A term used in finance to indicate a transaction has been completed and the funds have been transferred.
In messaging apps, indicates that a message has been successfully dispatched from the sender's device.
Can be used as a verb in past tense or as an acronym in technical contexts.
To cut something into pieces using a sharp tool, especially food or wood.
A heavy blow or strike, especially with a hand or an object.
A mark or stamp indicating approval or authenticity.
An abbreviation for 'chop' in music, meaning skill or technique.
Can be used as a verb, noun, name, or slang term depending on context.
To take control or possession of something, often by force or effort.
To record or take a picture or video of something.
To attract and hold someone's attention or interest.
To successfully represent or express something, such as an idea or feeling.
The term can be used in various contexts including military, photography, communication, and technology.
Preliminary versions of a written document or plan, subject to revision.
Unselected players in a sports league's recruitment process.
Cold air currents entering a room or building.
A system for ordering beer served from a keg rather than a bottle or can.
The term can refer to documents, sports processes, airflow, or beverage serving methods depending on context.
A device or object that spins or rotates around an axis.
A person who spins fibers into thread or yarn.
A type of fishing lure designed to spin and attract fish.
A small toy that spins rapidly between the fingers.
The term can refer to objects, people, or toys and is also used in various slang and brand names.