PREVIOUS CONNECTIONS DEFINITIONS
Plain-English meanings for all 16 words from the October 25, 2026 NYT Connections puzzle. No hints, categories or answers.
A small, flexible plastic tube containing chemicals that produce light through a chemical reaction when bent or snapped.
A type of party accessory that glows in the dark.
A safety device used by emergency responders or divers for illumination.
A toy or novelty item used at concerts and festivals.
The term 'glow stick' is commonly used to refer to light-emitting sticks but can also appear in brand names or slang contexts.
A circular frame with spokes that supports a vehicle's wheel and allows it to roll smoothly.
A popular American folk song titled 'Wagon Wheel'.
A type of cocktail made with whiskey and ginger ale.
A brand name for a snack cake with marshmallow filling.
The term can refer to objects, music, food, or brands depending on context.
A small pouch sewn into or on clothing for carrying items.
A small enclosed area or compartment, such as in a game or map.
A small amount or portion of something, often money.
To take or keep something for oneself, especially money, often secretly.
The term can refer to clothing features, metaphorical uses, or slang for taking something.
A team sport played by kicking a ball to score goals, with variations including American football and soccer.
The ball used in the sport of football.
A unit of measurement equal to 12 inches.
A term for a player's position or role in some sports.
The term 'football' can refer to different sports depending on the country, including soccer, American football, rugby, or Australian rules football.
The short, thick first digit on the human hand, set lower and apart from the other fingers, used for grasping and holding.
A small projection or part resembling a thumb in shape or function.
A unit of measurement approximately one inch, based on the width of a thumb.
To turn pages quickly using the thumb.
The term can also be used in idiomatic expressions and as a verb.
The joint between the upper arm and the forearm that allows the arm to bend.
The part of a sleeve that covers the elbow joint.
A bend or angle in a pipe or road.
To push or shove with the elbow, often to gain space.
The term can refer to anatomy, clothing, objects, actions, or be used metaphorically.
A global messaging network used by banks and financial institutions to securely transmit information and instructions for international money transfers.
An acronym for Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication.
A programming language developed by Apple for iOS and macOS app development.
A word meaning moving very quickly or fast.
SWIFT can refer to a financial network, a programming language, or an English adjective describing speed.
The five digits at the end of a human hand used for grasping and manipulating objects.
A unit of measurement in bartending, roughly the width of a finger used to measure liquor.
Slang for a hand or the act of touching someone with fingers.
A term used in music to refer to finger placement on an instrument.
The term can refer to body parts, measurement units, slang, or musical instructions depending on context.
A hard outer covering that protects an animal, seed, or object.
A command-line interface used to interact with an operating system.
An explosive device casing used in military artillery.
A large company in the oil and gas industry.
The term can refer to natural objects, technology, military equipment, or brand names.
The inner surface of the hand between the wrist and the fingers.
A type of tree known for its tall, slender trunk and large, fan-shaped leaves.
A handheld personal digital assistant device popular in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
To secretly take or hold something in the hand, often by trickery.
The term can refer to a body part, a plant, a brand name, or an action depending on context.
A loop of stretchy rubber used to hold objects together.
A type of exercise involving resistance bands made of rubber.
A slang term for a group of people working closely together.
A component in some mechanical devices that stores and releases energy.
The term can refer to a physical object, exercise equipment, slang, or mechanical parts depending on context.
A type of necktie in the shape of a bow, typically worn with formal attire.
A pattern or shape resembling a bow tie, often used in design or diagrams.
A style of eyeglass frame with a distinctive bow-shaped bridge.
A type of pasta shaped like a bow tie, also known as farfalle.
The term can refer to clothing, shapes, food, or design elements depending on context.
A person who cuts wood with a saw, especially as an occupation.
A surname of English origin.
A given name for males.
A brand name or company name in various industries.
The term can be used as a name, occupation, or brand.
Full meaning →To slide a finger across a touchscreen or card reader to operate a device or make a payment.
To steal something quickly and stealthily.
To criticize or attack someone verbally.
To move or pass something quickly in a sweeping motion.
The term can be used in technology, informal speech, and physical actions.
A surname of English origin, often used as a place name or family name.
The name of various towns and cities, primarily in English-speaking countries.
A fictional character's surname, notably Ellen Ripley from the Alien film series.
A brand or company name in certain industries or regions.
Ripley can refer to a surname, place name, fictional character, or brand.
Full meaning →To increase or improve the power, amount, or effectiveness of something.
A device or mechanism that increases power, such as in engines or electronics.
An act of promoting or encouraging something to gain more attention or support.
Slang for stealing or shoplifting.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and appears in technical, marketing, and informal contexts.