This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 (44 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Tuesday puzzles are a step up from Monday but still mostly straightforward.
Answer length: 7 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ _ _ E
Show the answer
About the answer
EARACHE as a word: (medicine) A pain in the middle or inner ear; (informal) Annoyance or aggravation caused by noise, especially the sound of someone nagging, complaining, issuing orders, etc.
EARACHE has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
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