This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Saturday, July 4, 2026 (26 Down) and the NYT Crossword on Sunday, April 26, 2026 (38 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Saturday puzzles are the hardest of the week and themeless, so clues are often deliberately misleading.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
NYT Crossword, July 4, 2026, 26 Down
Answer length: 10 squares
First letter
H _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
H _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ R
Show the answer
HELICOPTER
About the answer
HELICOPTER as a word: (aircraft) An aircraft that is borne along by one or more sets of long rotating blades which allow it to hover, move in any direction including reverse, or l...; (transitive) To transport by helicopter.
HELICOPTER has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
NYT Crossword, April 26, 2026, 38 Down
Answer length: 6 squares
First letter
S _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
S _ _ _ _ R
Show the answer
About the answer
SKATER as a word: A person who skates; A skateboarder.
SKATER has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since April 7, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- "___ Sancte Spiritus" (medieval Latin hymn) (20 Down)
- Things often refilled, informally (22 Down)
- Cardiac exam on a treadmill (24 Down)
- Gochujang, e.g. (25 Down)
- Before, in olden times (27 Down)
- "Lord, have mercy!" (32 Down)
- One attracted to all gender identities, for short (35 Down)
- Tilling aid (37 Down)
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