PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the October 15, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
The visible vapor and gases given off by a burning or smoldering substance.
To inhale and exhale the smoke of burning tobacco or other substances.
To emit smoke as a result of burning or overheating.
A slang term meaning to defeat or surpass someone decisively.
The term can refer to a physical substance, an action, or be used figuratively in slang.
A container made of woven materials, used for carrying or holding items.
A term in sports for scoring points by throwing a ball through a hoop.
A set or group of items collected or considered together.
A financial term referring to a collection of assets or securities grouped for investment purposes.
The term can refer to physical objects, sports terminology, financial concepts, or be used metaphorically.
An adjective describing something that lacks moisture or is free from liquid.
In programming, a principle meaning 'Don't Repeat Yourself,' encouraging code reuse.
A slang term meaning boring or dull.
An abbreviation for 'Department of Revenue and Taxation' in some regions.
The term can be used as an adjective, acronym, slang, or abbreviation depending on context.
The lower extremity of the leg below the ankle, used for standing and walking.
A unit of length equal to 12 inches or 30.48 centimeters.
The base or bottom part of something, such as the foot of a mountain or a page.
A unit of measurement in poetry representing a combination of stressed and unstressed syllables.
The term can refer to body parts, units of measurement, or metaphorical bases, and may also appear in names or idiomatic expressions.
A number of shots or hits made in quick succession, especially in sports like tennis or volleyball.
The simultaneous firing of a number of missiles or guns.
A rapid series of questions or comments directed at someone.
To hit or throw a ball before it touches the ground.
The term can be used in sports, military contexts, and informal conversation.
A large, heavy gun typically mounted on wheels, used historically in warfare to fire heavy projectiles.
A device or mechanism that launches objects with force, such as a snow cannon or a t-shirt cannon.
A term in billiards referring to a shot where the cue ball strikes two balls in succession.
A surname or a proper name for places or people.
The term 'cannon' can refer to historical artillery, modern devices that launch objects, a billiards term, or be used as a name.
To move swiftly on foot by alternating between a series of steps where both feet leave the ground momentarily.
To operate or function, as in machinery or systems.
To manage or be in charge of something, like a business or event.
To flow, as in liquids or colors spreading or dripping.
The term can also be used as a name, brand, slang term, or abbreviation depending on context.
A cucumber preserved in vinegar or brine, often flavored with spices.
A difficult or tricky situation.
To preserve food by soaking it in a solution of vinegar or brine.
To remove small pieces or impurities from something, especially in manufacturing or processing.
The term can refer to food, situations, or actions and may also be used as a slang term or in brand names.
The bottom support or foundation of an object or structure.
A place where military operations are coordinated and supported.
A main ingredient or component in a chemical solution or mixture.
In mathematics, the number system or value used as a reference for counting or calculations.
The term can also be used as a name, brand, or slang in various contexts.
A specific result or achievement that a person or group aims to accomplish.
The area or structure in sports where points are scored by sending the ball or puck into it.
An objective or target set in a game or competition.
A point scored in certain sports by sending the ball or puck into the opponent's goal area.
The term can be used in sports, personal development, business, and as a name or acronym.
To shape metal by heating and hammering it.
To create or produce something, especially with effort.
To move forward steadily or gradually.
A workshop where metal is heated and shaped.
Can be used as a verb or noun; also a brand name or slang term in some contexts.
The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level, that supports the structure above.
An organization established to provide funding or support for charitable, educational, or other activities.
A cosmetic product applied to the face to create an even skin tone.
The basis or groundwork of an idea, system, or theory.
The term can refer to physical structures, organizations, cosmetics, or abstract concepts.
To restore health by treating a disease or condition successfully.
A substance or treatment that heals a disease.
To preserve food by drying, smoking, or salting.
To improve or remedy a problematic situation.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and may appear in medical, culinary, or general contexts.
A city in southeastern Wisconsin, United States, located on the shore of Lake Michigan.
A French word meaning 'root'.
A surname of French origin.
The name of a French classical playwright, Jean Racine.
Racine can refer to a place name, a surname, or a French word depending on context.
The lowest part or point of something.
The rear or buttocks of a person.
A position of lesser rank or status.
In finance, the lowest price level reached by a stock or market before rising.
Can be used as a noun, adjective, or verb; also appears in slang and technical contexts.
A scoring play in American football where a player carries the ball into or catches it in the opponent's end zone, earning six points.
A successful landing of an aircraft or spacecraft on the ground or runway.
A term used in rugby for grounding the ball in the opponent's in-goal area to score points.
The term is primarily used in sports contexts but can also refer to aircraft landings.