This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, August 27, 2026 (44 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
Answer length: 7 squares
First letter
A _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
A _ _ _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
AIRBALL as a word: (basketball) A shot that misses the backboard, rim and net entirely; (basketball, transitive) To throw an airball.
AIRBALL 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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