This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, February 12, 2026 (65 Across). 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: 4 squares
First letter
K _ _ _
First and last letters
K _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
KEEL as a word: (nautical) A large beam along the underside of a ship’s hull from bow to stern; (nautical) A rigid, flat piece of material anchored to the lowest part of the hull of a ship to give it greater control and stability.
KEEL 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
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