This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 (39 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Wednesday sits mid-week in difficulty, with more wordplay than Monday or Tuesday.
How to read this clue
The question mark warns of wordplay. Expect a pun or a second meaning rather than a straight definition.
Answer length: 6 squares
First letter
H _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
H _ _ _ _ N
Show the answer
About the answer
HYPHEN as a word: The symbol "‐", typically used to join two or more words to form a compound term, or to indicate that a word has been split at the end of a line; (transitive, dated) To separate or punctuate with a hyphen; to hyphenate.
HYPHEN has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
More clues from this puzzle
- Made a basic math calculation (31 Down)
- Magician's or marionettist's performance (33 Down)
- Movement of money digitally from bank to bank, in brief (35 Down)
- Meander mindlessly (about) (37 Down)
- Miss badly, maybe (40 Down)
- Music magnifier at a concert (41 Down)
- Made a mere 24 hours ago (47 Down)
- Military groups that meet in battle (48 Down)
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