MOHAWK
A hairstyle with shaved or closely cut sides and a central strip of longer hair.
Other meanings and uses
- A member of the Mohawk Indigenous nation.
- The Iroquoian language spoken by the Mohawk people.
Definitions of the day · 2026-10-19
Spoiler-safe definitions for the October 19, 2026 board
These ordinary definitions clarify every board entry without arranging words by category or explaining the puzzle's answers.
Open the dated hints and answers →Definitions of the day · 2026-10-19
All 16 words, explained without the answers.
Use this utility to check an unfamiliar word while solving. Entries remain in the board's original order, and alternate uses are selected to avoid disclosing category relationships.
MUFFIN
A small, individual baked item, often sweet and made from a quick-bread batter.
Other meanings and uses
- An English muffin is a round, flat yeast bread usually split before serving.
HOT AIR
Air that has been heated and is warmer than the surrounding atmosphere.
Other meanings and uses
- In heating and ventilation contexts, it means air raised to a relatively high temperature.
BALLOON
A flexible bag inflated with air or gas, often used for decoration or amusement.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, to balloon means to swell, expand or increase rapidly.
RAVE
An enthusiastic review or an expression of exceptionally strong approval.
Other meanings and uses
- A dance event centered on electronic music, often lasting for many hours.
WIND
The natural movement of air, especially a current strong enough to be felt.
Other meanings and uses
- Breath or the physical capacity to keep breathing during exertion.
- As a verb with a different pronunciation, to turn, coil or follow a curving course.
FLURRY
A brief, light fall of snow, often occurring with a gust of wind.
Other meanings and uses
- A sudden burst of activity, excitement or hurried movement.
STEAM
Water in vapor form, especially the vapor produced when water is heated.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, to cook food by exposing it to vapor from boiling water.
- To move forward steadily or forcefully, as in steaming ahead.
GAS
A state of matter that has no fixed shape or volume and expands to fill its container.
Other meanings and uses
- A gaseous substance burned as fuel for heating or cooking.
- Informally in North America, gasoline used to power a vehicle.
RIB
One of the curved bones forming the protective framework around the chest.
Other meanings and uses
- A cut of meat taken from the rib area of an animal.
- As a verb, to tease someone in a friendly or playful manner.
FUME
Smoke, vapor or gas, especially when strong-smelling, irritating or potentially harmful.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, to give off smoke, vapor or a strong-smelling gas.
ALIBIS
Claims or evidence that people were elsewhere when alleged acts occurred.
Other meanings and uses
- Informally, excuses offered to avoid blame or explain conduct.
- The plural form of the noun alibi.
BOIL
To heat a liquid until bubbles form and it changes into vapor at the surface.
Other meanings and uses
- A painful, pus-filled swelling caused by infection beneath the skin.
- As a noun, the state or process of bubbling caused by strong heat.
BLATHER
Foolish, rambling or nonsensical speech or writing that continues at length.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, to speak for a long time in a silly or unimportant way.
ESCROW
An arrangement in which a neutral third party holds money or property until conditions are met.
Other meanings and uses
- Money, documents or property held under such a third-party arrangement.
NUGGETS
Small, solid lumps, especially naturally occurring pieces of a valuable metal such as gold.
Other meanings and uses
- Small, compact pieces of useful information, insight or wisdom.
- The plural form of the noun nugget.