This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 (17 Across). 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: 10 squares
First letter
T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
First and last letters
T _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ L
Show the answer
TINKERBELL
About the answer
TINKERBELL as a word: Anything whose existence or power depends on the faith of believers; (slang, derogatory, offensive) A homosexual or effeminate man.
TINKERBELL 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
- "Great" animals (10 Across)
- Super-cool (14 Across)
- Subject of 2001 bankruptcy headlines (15 Across)
- "That's crazy!," on the internet (16 Across)
- Not right (19 Across)
- Second-most-common surname in Korea, after Kim (20 Across)
- Right away (21 Across)
- Sports center (22 Across)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
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