English · Word Candidate

hint

/hɪnt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: hints · hinting · hinted

Sense 1

Meaning · English

A clue.

Noun

I needed a hint to complete the crossword.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

An implicit suggestion that avoids a direct statement.

Noun

He gave me a hint that my breath smelt.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To imply without a direct statement; to provide a clue.

Verb

She hinted at the possibility of a recount of the votes.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Meaning · English

To bring to mind by a slight mention or remote allusion; to suggest in an indirect manner.

Verb

to hint a suspicion

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

What does “hint” mean?

A clue.

Is “hint” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.