PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the October 21, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A woodwind instrument in the oboe family, pitched lower than the oboe and known for its rich, mellow tone.
A type of horn used in English hunting traditions (historical).
A colloquial name for a British-made brass instrument.
The term primarily refers to a musical instrument but can also appear in historical or colloquial contexts.
To jump over something by placing one foot on it and then the other, often used to describe a game or a figurative advance.
To surpass or overtake someone or something by a significant margin.
A strategy of bypassing intermediate steps to achieve a goal more quickly.
A brand name for educational products and technology.
The term can be used literally, figuratively, or as a proper noun.
A person who is dominant or in charge within a group, often displaying confidence and leadership.
A slang term for a person who is assertive or aggressive in social situations.
A nickname for a leading or top-performing individual in a particular field or activity.
The term can be used informally to describe personality traits or social roles and may also appear as a nickname or in popular culture.
The thymus or pancreas gland of a calf or lamb, used as food.
A type of candy or confectionery item.
A term of endearment for someone dear or beloved.
Slang for money or a bribe.
Can refer to a culinary ingredient, a sweet treat, or be used figuratively in informal speech.
A situation or issue that is difficult or unpleasant to deal with and is often passed quickly from one person to another.
A children's game where a small object is passed around quickly while music plays, and the person holding it when the music stops is out.
A type of Chinese stew made with a simmering pot of soup stock at the center of the dining table, where ingredients are cooked by diners.
The term can be used literally or figuratively and may appear in informal speech, games, or culinary contexts.
A brightly colored marine crustacean known for its powerful claws that can strike with great speed and force.
A type of seafood eaten in some cultures.
A nickname for a person with quick reflexes or strong punches.
The term refers primarily to the marine animal but can also be used metaphorically or as a food name.
Tall plants with large, bright yellow flowers that turn to face the sun, commonly grown for their seeds and oil.
A type of painting or artwork featuring sunflowers as the main subject.
A popular name for certain sports teams or organizations.
A metaphor for positivity and happiness.
The term can refer to the plant, artworks, team names, or be used metaphorically.
An important or influential person, especially in a particular organization or field.
A large piece of cheese.
Slang for someone who is arrogant or self-important.
A brand name for a type of cheese product.
The term is often used informally to refer to someone with authority or high status.
A famous 1930 painting by Grant Wood depicting a farmer holding a pitchfork beside a woman, symbolizing rural American life.
A style of architecture characterized by Gothic Revival elements in American buildings.
A cultural term referring to themes of rural American life and values.
A 1988 horror-comedy film titled 'American Gothic'.
The term can refer to art, architecture, film, or cultural themes related to America.
A breakfast cereal made from toasted wheat and barley nuggets, known for its crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
A brand name for the specific cereal product.
Sometimes used colloquially to refer to the cereal itself in general.
The term is a brand name and may be written with or without a hyphen.
A branded metal container holding Campbell's condensed or ready-to-eat soup.
An iconic image in pop art, famously depicted by artist Andy Warhol.
A collectible item for fans of Campbell's products or vintage advertising.
A symbol representing American consumer culture in art and media.
Primarily refers to the product container but can also denote its cultural or artistic representations.
A children's game in which players sit in a circle while one person walks around tapping others on the head, saying 'duck' until choosing one person by saying 'goose,' who then chases the tapper around the circle.
A phrase used to describe a simple or repetitive selection process.
A playful or teasing expression among children.
Primarily known as the name of a children's game, but can also appear in informal speech or as a brand name.
The most important person in a group or organization; the leader or boss.
A slang term for a person who is very successful or prominent in a particular field.
A term used in entertainment to describe the lead comedian or main performer in a comedy act.
This term is informal and often used in casual speech to denote leadership or prominence.
A famous expressionist painting by Edvard Munch depicting a figure with an agonized expression against a turbulent sky.
A loud, piercing cry expressing fear, pain, or excitement.
A cultural reference used to describe intense emotional distress or horror.
The term can refer to the artwork, a vocal expression, or be used metaphorically in various contexts.
A game in which players walk around chairs while music plays and must quickly sit down when the music stops, with one chair removed each round.
A situation where people compete for limited positions or resources, often resulting in frequent changes.
A metaphor for a series of rapid job or role changes among a group of people.
The term is commonly used to describe both the children's game and metaphorical situations involving competition or frequent changes.
A person or competitor in a weight class characterized by a high body weight, especially in boxing or wrestling.
Something that is very heavy or dense.
A person or thing of great importance or influence.
A brand or type of durable, strong material or product.
The term can refer to sports categories, describe physical weight, or be used metaphorically for importance or strength.