TAMBOURINE
A handheld percussion instrument with a frame and small metal jingles.
Other meanings and uses
- The plural tambourines refers to two or more such instruments.
Definitions of the day · 2026-09-30
Spoiler-safe definitions for Connections #1207
Look up each board entry independently without seeing categories, grouped answers or explanations of the puzzle’s relationships.
Open the dated hints and answers →Definitions of the day · 2026-09-30
All 16 words, explained without the answers.
These entries follow the board’s original order and explain ordinary meanings one word at a time. They avoid grouping language and omit unnecessary specialist senses that could disclose an answer pattern.
SEPTUM
A wall or membrane that divides two spaces or areas of tissue in the body.
Other meanings and uses
- The usual technical plural is septa rather than septums.
DECENT
Acceptable, satisfactory or reasonably good, without being exceptional.
Other meanings and uses
- Respectable and consistent with accepted standards of conduct.
- Kind, fair or considerate in one’s treatment of others.
- Substantial enough in amount or quality to be welcome.
BOND
A close connection or attachment between people, groups or living things.
Other meanings and uses
- A legal obligation or promise backed by a formal guarantee.
- A substance or force that joins materials together.
- To form or strengthen a close relationship with someone.
MARTINI
A cocktail traditionally made with gin and vermouth and served with a garnish.
Other meanings and uses
- The name is also used for cocktail variations modeled on the classic drink.
OPTION
A choice that is available among two or more possible courses of action.
Other meanings and uses
- Something that may be selected but is not required.
- An elective subject or feature offered in addition to a standard set.
- To reserve or acquire a defined right by agreement.
NOVELTY
The quality of being new, unusual or different from what is familiar.
Other meanings and uses
- A new or unusual experience that attracts temporary interest.
- A small decorative or amusing object valued mainly for its unusual design.
CASINO
A building or business where people play gambling games for money.
Other meanings and uses
- The word can modify another noun, as in casino floor or casino employee.
SPRAY PAINT
Paint released as a fine mist, commonly from a pressurized handheld container.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, to spray-paint means to coat a surface with such paint.
OCTOPUSSY
A playful diminutive term for an octopus.
Other meanings and uses
- The plural form is octopussies.
DONNIE BRASCO
A two-word proper-name phrase.
Other meanings and uses
- A phrase that can function as a proper noun in writing.
FUTURE
The time that has not yet happened, considered in relation to the present.
Other meanings and uses
- Events or conditions expected to exist at a later time.
- A person’s prospects or likely course in life or work.
- As an adjective, relating to a time that is still to come.
BUGSY
A nickname or informal personal name, historically associated with the adjective bugs.
Other meanings and uses
- In older informal use, bugsy could describe someone as erratic or unstable.
ETCH A SKETCH
A mechanical drawing toy controlled by knobs that move an enclosed stylus.
Other meanings and uses
- The name may be used attributively, as in an ETCH A SKETCH drawing.
STOCK
A supply of goods or materials kept available for sale, distribution or use.
Other meanings and uses
- Liquid made by simmering ingredients and used as a base for cooking.
- Farm animals considered collectively, especially livestock.
- As an adjective, standard or routinely kept available.
- To fill or replenish a shop, shelf or storage area with goods.
SCARFACE
A descriptive nickname for a person whose face bears a noticeable scar.
Other meanings and uses
- The compound may be used as a label or proper nickname for an individual.