NYT Connections word definitions, without spoilers.
Plain-English meanings for today's words. No hints, categories or answers.
Definitions for July 20, 2026
Puzzle #1211
OYSTER
A type of marine mollusk with a rough, irregular shell that is often eaten raw or cooked as seafood.
A waterproof case used to protect a watch or other device.
A term for a person who is hard to understand or emotionally closed off.
A type of pearl produced by certain oysters.
The term can refer to the animal, a protective casing, a metaphor for a person, or a source of pearls.
MEADOW
A field of grass and wildflowers, often used for hay or grazing animals.
A tract of low, flat land with grass and other non-woody plants.
A peaceful or pleasant place resembling a grassy field.
The term can also be used as a place name or a personal name.
WISDOM
The ability to make sound decisions and judgments based on knowledge, experience, and understanding.
The quality of having deep insight and good sense.
A body of knowledge accumulated over time, especially in a particular field.
A traditional saying or piece of advice conveying practical truth.
The term can refer to a personal trait, accumulated knowledge, or cultural sayings.
SOUND
Vibrations that travel through the air or another medium and can be heard when they reach a person's or animal's ear.
The sensation perceived by the ear when these vibrations are detected.
A particular auditory impression or noise, such as music or speech.
To measure the depth of a body of water using a weighted line or sonar.
The term can refer to auditory phenomena, actions related to measuring depth, or be used in various idiomatic expressions.
BUTTON
A small fastener sewn onto clothing used to join two pieces of fabric together.
A clickable element on a computer screen that performs an action when pressed.
A small badge or pin worn on clothing for decoration or to show support for a cause.
A knob or switch on a device used to operate it.
The term can refer to physical objects, digital interface elements, or decorative items.
BUBBLE TEA
A sweet tea-based drink that typically contains chewy tapioca pearls or other toppings.
A trendy beverage originating from Taiwan.
A cold or hot drink served with a wide straw to sip the pearls.
A flavored milk tea often mixed with fruit or syrup.
Bubble tea is a popular drink name and can also be called boba tea or pearl milk tea.
PORTOBELLO
A large, mature variety of the common mushroom, known for its meaty texture and often used in cooking as a meat substitute.
A neighborhood in London famous for its market and antique shops.
A type of sandwich or burger featuring portobello mushrooms as the main ingredient.
The term can refer to a mushroom variety, a place name, or food items featuring the mushroom.
MENU
A list of food and drink options available at a restaurant or café.
A screen or page in software that displays options or commands.
A list of choices or items presented for selection in any context.
A set of options available on a device, such as a TV or smartphone.
The term can refer to physical or digital lists of options and is commonly used in both dining and technology contexts.
TRUMPET
A brass musical instrument with a bright, penetrating sound, typically played by blowing air through closed lips into a mouthpiece and pressing valves to change pitch.
A person who loudly and proudly announces or promotes something.
To surpass or outdo someone or something.
A type of shellfish known as a trumpet shell.
The term can refer to a musical instrument, a verb meaning to outdo, or be used metaphorically; it is also a surname and brand name.
ICON
A symbol or image that represents an idea, object, or person, often used in computing or religious contexts.
A famous or highly respected person, especially in popular culture.
A small graphical representation on a computer screen that users can click to open programs or files.
A religious painting or statue venerated in certain faiths, especially in Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
The term can refer to symbols, people, computer graphics, or religious art depending on context.
HERALD
A person who announces important news or events, often officially or publicly.
A sign or indication of something to come.
A medieval messenger who carried announcements and organized tournaments.
A type of newspaper or publication title.
The term can be used as a noun or a verb and may appear as a name or title.
SWINE
A pig, especially one raised for food.
A contemptible or unpleasant person.
An acronym for Severe Wasting Illness and Nutritional Emergency (medical context).
The term can be used literally for the animal or figuratively as an insult.
SAKES
Plural form of sake, referring to multiple reasons or purposes.
Plural of sake, a Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice.
A surname or family name.
An acronym that could stand for various organizations or phrases depending on context.
The term can refer to reasons, a type of drink, a name, or an acronym depending on context.
BLARE
To make a loud, harsh, and often continuous noise, typically from a horn, speaker, or alarm.
A loud, harsh sound or noise.
To shout or speak loudly and forcefully.
The term can be used as a verb or noun and may appear in informal contexts.
LINK
A connection or relationship between two or more things.
A single ring or segment in a chain.
A hyperlink that directs users to another web page or resource.
A unit of measurement in surveying, equal to 0.66 feet.
The term can refer to physical connections, digital hyperlinks, or units of measurement, and is also used as a name or brand.
ALEXA
A virtual assistant developed by Amazon that uses voice recognition to perform tasks, answer questions, and control smart devices.
A common given name for females.
A brand name used by various companies and products.
An abbreviation for certain technical or organizational terms.
The term can refer to a technology product, a personal name, or other uses depending on context.