This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, August 21, 2026 (26 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
L _ _ _ _
First and last letters
L _ _ _ S
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About the answer
LUTES as a word: A fretted stringed instrument, similar to the guitar, having a bowl-shaped body or soundbox; any of a wide variety of chordophones with a pear-shaped body an...; To play on a lute, or as if on a lute.
LUTES has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 2, 2025.
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