STEAK KNIFE
A sharp table knife designed for cutting steak and other cooked meat.
Other meanings and uses
- Steak knives may be sold individually or as matching table sets.
Definitions of the day · 2026-11-09
Spoiler-Safe Definitions for the November 9, 2026 Connections Board
These concise entries clarify every board term while preserving the puzzle’s original order and avoiding grouped hints.
Open the dated hints and answers →Definitions of the day · 2026-11-09
All 16 words, explained without the answers.
Use this utility to check an unfamiliar word or phrase without seeing categories. Entries remain in board order and are defined independently, with alternate uses limited to ordinary established meanings.
CARD SHARK
A person who is exceptionally skilled, experienced or formidable at card games.
Other meanings and uses
- The expression can carry either admiring or suspicious overtones.
CON JOB
An act of deception intended to persuade, exploit or swindle another person.
Other meanings and uses
- Informally, it can label sustained dishonest persuasion or manipulation.
BOOTCUT
A trouser style that becomes slightly wider from the knee toward the ankle.
Other meanings and uses
- The word is commonly used before nouns such as trousers or pants.
NAVY SEAL
A member of a United States Navy force trained for special military operations.
Other meanings and uses
- The plural form refers to multiple members of that naval force.
SHELL GAME
A guessing trick in which a small object is moved beneath shells or cups, often to deceive a bettor.
Other meanings and uses
- The phrase can also describe evasive shifting intended to obscure facts.
MINT LEAF
A leaf from a mint plant, known for its fresh aroma and cooling flavor.
Other meanings and uses
- It may be used fresh, dried, infused in drinks or added as a garnish.
GAMMA RAY
A form of electromagnetic radiation with extremely high energy and very short wavelength.
Other meanings and uses
- The plural gamma rays refers to multiple emissions or photons.
TAPE DISPENSER
A holder that supports a roll of adhesive tape and presents it for convenient use.
Other meanings and uses
- Common forms include weighted desktop holders and handheld dispensers.
LOW-RISE
Having relatively little height, especially when describing a building with few stories.
Other meanings and uses
- The word can describe something positioned lower than a standard height.
FUN SPONGE
An informal term for someone who reduces other people’s enjoyment or enthusiasm.
Other meanings and uses
- The expression is often mildly critical but can also be used teasingly.
RIP-OFF
Something unfairly expensive, poor in value or otherwise exploitative.
Other meanings and uses
- It can also mean an unauthorized or inferior imitation of another work.
SKINNY
Very thin or narrow, sometimes with a negative implication when applied to a person.
Other meanings and uses
- As a noun, the skinny informally means inside information or the essential facts.
- It can describe food or drinks made with reduced fat or calories.
FLIMFLAM
Nonsensical, insincere or deceptive talk used to confuse or mislead someone.
Other meanings and uses
- As a verb, flimflam means to trick or swindle someone informally.
GRAPEFRUIT SPOON
A small spoon designed for scooping the sections and flesh from a grapefruit.
Other meanings and uses
- The plural grapefruit spoons refers to more than one such utensil.
DISTRESSED
Feeling severe anxiety, sorrow, discomfort or another form of emotional strain.
Other meanings and uses
- It can describe a person, community or area experiencing serious hardship.
- In finance, distressed property or debt is under significant pressure.