PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the October 20, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A V-shaped pattern or symbol, often used in military insignia or road signs.
A brand name for an energy company.
A type of masonry joint shaped like a zigzag.
A pattern used in textiles and design resembling inverted V shapes.
The term can refer to shapes, brands, or patterns in various contexts.
A structure built along the shore or out from the land into the water, used for loading, unloading, or mooring boats and ships.
To cut off or deduct part of something, such as pay or points.
To bring a spacecraft or vehicle into position to connect with another.
A platform or area in a courtroom where the accused sits during a trial.
The term can refer to physical structures, actions, or specific locations in legal and space contexts.
A hollow metal instrument that makes a ringing sound when struck.
A device used to signal or alert, such as a doorbell or alarm bell.
A shape that is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, resembling a bell.
A surname or given name.
The term can refer to objects, shapes, names, or signaling devices.
A writing or drawing instrument consisting of a thin stick of graphite or a similar substance enclosed in wood or a protective casing.
A tool used in digital art software to simulate drawing by hand.
To mark or sketch lightly or roughly before finalizing.
To schedule or plan tentatively, subject to change.
The term can refer to a physical object, a digital tool, or a verb related to planning or marking.
A breed of dog known for its curly coat and intelligence, often kept as a pet or used in dog shows.
An acronym for a security vulnerability in SSL 3.0 (Padding Oracle On Downgraded Legacy Encryption).
A slang term meaning to move or act in a silly or aimless way.
The term can refer to a dog breed, a technical acronym, or informal slang depending on context.
To cover or enclose something completely, typically with paper, cloth, or other material.
A type of sandwich made by rolling a soft flatbread around a filling.
An agreement or contract, especially in business or entertainment.
To finish or complete an activity or event.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and appears in various contexts including food, business, and everyday language.
A small car model originally produced by the British Motor Corporation, known for its compact size and distinctive design.
A prefix meaning 'small' or 'miniature', used to describe something smaller than usual.
A brand name for various products, including electronics and toys.
An abbreviation for 'minimum' in some contexts.
The term 'MINI' can refer to a car brand, a size descriptor, or be used as a name or abbreviation depending on context.
A follower or subordinate who is often servile or unquestioningly obedient to a powerful person.
A small, yellow, cylindrical character from the animated film series 'Despicable Me'.
A derogatory term for a servile or unimportant person.
In some contexts, a term for a helper or assistant.
The term can refer to a character name, a general descriptor for a follower, or be used colloquially as slang.
A large marine mammal with long tusks, whiskers, and flippers, found in Arctic regions.
A type of submarine cable system named WALRUS.
An acronym for a software tool or system in computing.
A slang term used to describe someone with prominent facial hair resembling tusks.
The term can refer to the animal, technical acronyms, or slang depending on context.
A figure of a person or animal controlled by a person using strings, hands, or rods to move its parts.
A person who is controlled or manipulated by someone else.
A software program that automates the management and configuration of computers.
A type of theatrical performance using puppets.
The term can refer to a physical object, a metaphor for control, a software tool, or a form of entertainment.
To shut something, such as a door or window, so that it is no longer open.
To bring something to an end, like a meeting or event.
To move something near or nearer to another object or point.
A residential street or cul-de-sac, especially in British English.
The term can be used as a verb, adjective, noun, or adverb depending on context.
A U-shaped metal object nailed to the hooves of horses to protect them from wear.
A shape resembling a horseshoe, often used as a symbol of luck.
A game in which players throw horseshoes at a stake in the ground to score points.
A curved bend in a river or road resembling the shape of a horseshoe.
The term can refer to an object, shape, game, or geographic feature.
A widely used sans-serif typeface known for its clean and simple design, commonly used in digital and print media.
Aerial, relating to the air or atmosphere.
Aerial, a type of antenna for receiving or transmitting radio waves.
Arial, a female given name.
Arial is primarily recognized as a font name but can also refer to other unrelated concepts or names.
A command or signal to cease movement, action, or operation.
A device or mark indicating where to halt, such as a stop sign or stop button.
A brief pause or interruption in an activity or process.
In music, a mechanism on an instrument that controls the flow of air or sound.
The term can be used as a verb, noun, or part of phrases and may appear in various contexts including traffic, technology, music, and everyday language.
A person who is easily controlled or manipulated by others, often to do unpleasant or foolish tasks.
A comic character known for slapstick humor, especially in the group 'The Three Stooges'.
An accomplice who helps another commit a crime, often unknowingly.
To act as a subordinate or puppet for someone else.
The term can be used as a slang insult, a character name, or in informal speech.
The final point or conclusion of something.
A goal or purpose.
A part of a game or match, such as a period or segment.
To bring something to a close or finish it.
The term can be used as a noun or a verb in various contexts.