Luau instrument, informally

NYT Crossword Clue

Crossword Answer

Hint

This small, cheerful string instrument is often associated with Hawaiian music! 🎶

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Tuesday, July 07, 2026

By Brad Lively

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Or reveal one clue at a time with the Hint and Answer buttons below.

NYT Crossword Clues

Across

  1. 1___ ghanouj
  2. 5Like a couch potato
  3. 9"Rise and shine!"
  4. 14Patron saint of Norway
  5. 15Combustible rock
  6. 16No longer in dreamland
  7. 17Charisma
  8. 18"Orinoco Flow" singer
  9. 19Like a credit card at its limit
  10. 20*Surfer girls, in old lingo
  11. 23Ease off
  12. 24D.C. URL ending
  13. 28*Frankfurters
  14. 31Easy mark for a hustle
  15. 32Subject of Weird Al Yankovic's "The White Stuff"
  16. 33Common car freshener scent
  17. 34Score that's better than a bogey
  18. 35"Barbie" actress Issa
  19. 36*Relative of a grizzly that's named for its bright chest patch
  20. 39Umpire's clenched-fist call
  21. 40Sgt., but not pvt., e.g.
  22. 41Orgs. that may hold raffles
  23. 42Mechanical memorization
  24. 43Accessories pointed at the North Pole?
  25. 45*Internet browser borrowing a nickname for the red panda
  26. 48Slander
  27. 49What to call people ... or what not to call people
  28. 50Like a feeling of tender happiness ... or how you might feel after reading both halves of the answers to the starred clues?
  29. 55Common default computer font
  30. 58Mistake-correcting command
  31. 59Rebel Alliance princess
  32. 60Portmanteau for a screened-in feline lounge
  33. 61Fresh powder, e.g.
  34. 62Sci-fi franchise with light cycles
  35. 63Break things off
  36. 64"Amazing Grace," for one
  37. 65Eurovision contest entry

Down

  1. 1Tell jokes to total silence, say
  2. 2Soothing succulent
  3. 3___ California (Mexican border state)
  4. 4Fruit from a tree that can self-pollinate
  5. 5Cooler in a cooler
  6. 6Hole foods?
  7. 7___ Staley, original lead singer of Alice in Chains
  8. 8Pizazz
  9. 9Last words on a pinball machine
  10. 10Discarded tech
  11. 11Levy
  12. 12Luau instrument, informally
  13. 13___ Xing
  14. 21"Curb Your Enthusiasm" network
  15. 22"Let It Go" singer Menzel
  16. 25Vanish into thin air
  17. 26Acting unthinkingly
  18. 27Geometrical corner
  19. 28Like a triceratops
  20. 29Delphi prophet
  21. 30Start a long drive, in a way
  22. 31Tell a tall tale
  23. 33"This Old House" network
  24. 36Monty Python musical with a portmanteau title
  25. 37Absolute, as nonsense
  26. 38"Illmatic" rapper
  27. 42What doers produce
  28. 44Luau locale
  29. 45Obsessive pop culture subculture
  30. 46"Count me in!"
  31. 47Yellow card wielder
  32. 49Job for Mrs. Doubtfire
  33. 51Sled dog command
  34. 52Number of years that George Washington lived in the White House
  35. 53Last U.S. national park alphabetically
  36. 54Bowen formerly of "S.N.L."
  37. 55High card
  38. 56Hightailed it
  39. 57"___ be my pleasure!"

Crossword clues, hints, and answers

Across

  1. 1. ___ ghanouj — Answer: BABA. Hint: A delicious Middle Eastern spread often enjoyed with pita! 🥙
  2. 5. Like a couch potato — Answer: IDLE. Hint: Sometimes, you just want to take it easy and relax! 🛋️
  3. 9. "Rise and shine!" — Answer: GETUP. Hint: It's time to leave your cozy bed and greet the day! ☀️
  4. 14. Patron saint of Norway — Answer: OLAV. Hint: This royal saint shares his name with a popular Scandinavian figure! 🇳🇴
  5. 15. Combustible rock — Answer: COAL. Hint: This black rock is often associated with powering trains and heating homes! 🔥
  6. 16. No longer in dreamland — Answer: AWAKE. Hint: Time to shake off the slumber and greet the day! ☀️
  7. 17. Charisma — Answer: MOJO. Hint: It's the special charm that makes you shine! ✨
  8. 18. "Orinoco Flow" singer — Answer: ENYA. Hint: This Irish artist is known for her ethereal sound and hits like 'Only Time'! 🎶
  9. 19. Like a credit card at its limit — Answer: MAXED. Hint: When your spending has reached its peak, you might say you've hit a ceiling! 💳
  10. 20. *Surfer girls, in old lingo — Answer: BEACHBUNNIES. Hint: Think of carefree beachgoers who catch waves and soak up the sun! 🏄‍♀️
  11. 23. Ease off — Answer: ABATE. Hint: When things get too intense, sometimes you just need to let up a bit! 🌬️
  12. 24. D.C. URL ending — Answer: DOTGOV. Hint: It's the official web address ending for the United States government! 🇺🇸
  13. 28. *Frankfurters — Answer: HOTDOGS. Hint: These tasty treats are often enjoyed at summer barbecues and sporting events! 🌭
  14. 31. Easy mark for a hustle — Answer: LIVEONE. Hint: Think of someone who's an easy target for a clever scheme or trick! 🎯
  15. 32. Subject of Weird Al Yankovic's "The White Stuff" — Answer: OREO. Hint: This cookie is famously known for its creamy filling and dunking potential! 🍪
  16. 33. Common car freshener scent — Answer: PINE. Hint: Imagine a walk in the woods with that refreshing aroma surrounding you! 🌲
  17. 34. Score that's better than a bogey — Answer: PAR. Hint: It's what golfers aim for to keep their game on track! ⛳
  18. 35. "Barbie" actress Issa — Answer: RAE. Hint: This talented actress is known not just for her role in 'Barbie' but also for her brilliant work on a hit HBO series! 🎬
  19. 36. *Relative of a grizzly that's named for its bright chest patch — Answer: SUNBEAR. Hint: Think of a bear that shines bright like the sun in its name! ☀️
  20. 39. Umpire's clenched-fist call — Answer: OUT. Hint: When a player isn't in the game anymore, this signal is given! ⚾
  21. 40. Sgt., but not pvt., e.g. — Answer: NCO. Hint: Think of a military rank that’s above private but not an officer! 🎖️
  22. 41. Orgs. that may hold raffles — Answer: PTAS. Hint: Think of groups that support the arts or local communities with fun fundraising activities! 🎟️
  23. 42. Mechanical memorization — Answer: ROTE. Hint: Sometimes you just have to repeat things until they stick! 🌀
  24. 43. Accessories pointed at the North Pole? — Answer: ELFHATS. Hint: These festive toppers are often linked to jolly helpers in a winter wonderland! 🎄
  25. 45. *Internet browser borrowing a nickname for the red panda — Answer: FIREFOX. Hint: Think of a fiery animal that loves to surf the web! 🔥
  26. 48. Slander — Answer: DEFAME. Hint: When someone tarnishes your reputation with false words, they might be trying to do this to you! 🗣️
  27. 49. What to call people ... or what not to call people — Answer: NAMES. Hint: Think of the labels we use to identify ourselves and others! 🏷️
  28. 50. Like a feeling of tender happiness ... or how you might feel after reading both halves of the answers to the starred clues? — Answer: WARMANDFUZZY. Hint: Imagine the cozy sensation you get when wrapped in a soft blanket! ☕
  29. 55. Common default computer font — Answer: ARIAL. Hint: This typeface is often seen as the go-to for clean and modern text on screens! 🖥️
  30. 58. Mistake-correcting command — Answer: UNDO. Hint: When you want to take back your last move, remember this handy command! 🔄
  31. 59. Rebel Alliance princess — Answer: LEIA. Hint: This royal leader is known for her bravery and has a famous twin brother! 👸
  32. 60. Portmanteau for a screened-in feline lounge — Answer: CATIO. Hint: Think of a cozy outdoor space designed just for your furry friend! 🐾
  33. 61. Fresh powder, e.g. — Answer: SNOW. Hint: It's what makes winter wonderlands magical! ❄️
  34. 62. Sci-fi franchise with light cycles — Answer: TRON. Hint: This classic film features high-tech racing and a virtual world! 🕶️
  35. 63. Break things off — Answer: ENDIT. Hint: Sometimes, it's best to put a period at the end of a chapter! ✍️
  36. 64. "Amazing Grace," for one — Answer: HYMN. Hint: This type of song often expresses devotion or praise. 🎶
  37. 65. Eurovision contest entry — Answer: SONG. Hint: This is what you might hear at a lively music competition! 🎶

Down

  1. 1. Tell jokes to total silence, say — Answer: BOMB. Hint: When your punchline falls flat, it might just be a real disaster! 💣
  2. 2. Soothing succulent — Answer: ALOE. Hint: This plant is often used to calm skin irritations and keep things cool! 🌿
  3. 3. ___ California (Mexican border state) — Answer: BAJA. Hint: Think of a sun-soaked region famous for its beaches and tacos! 🌮
  4. 4. Fruit from a tree that can self-pollinate — Answer: AVOCADO. Hint: This creamy green fruit is often used in guacamole and can grow on its own! 🥑
  5. 5. Cooler in a cooler — Answer: ICEBAG. Hint: Think of what keeps your drinks chilled during a picnic! 🧊
  6. 6. Hole foods? — Answer: DONUTS. Hint: These sweet treats often have a hole in the middle and are perfect for a tasty breakfast! 🍩
  7. 7. ___ Staley, original lead singer of Alice in Chains — Answer: LAYNE. Hint: Think of a name that rhymes with 'pain' and was once in a grunge band! 🎤
  8. 8. Pizazz — Answer: ELAN. Hint: Think about a certain flair or style that adds excitement to things! ✨
  9. 9. Last words on a pinball machine — Answer: GAMEOVER. Hint: When the fun ends and it's time to tally up your score, what phrase might you see? 🎮
  10. 10. Discarded tech — Answer: EWASTE. Hint: Think about what happens to old gadgets when they're no longer useful! ♻️
  11. 11. Levy — Answer: TAX. Hint: It's something the government collects from your income! 💰
  12. 12. Luau instrument, informally — Answer: UKE. Hint: This small, cheerful string instrument is often associated with Hawaiian music! 🎶
  13. 13. ___ Xing — Answer: PED. Hint: This word is often found on signs indicating where to cross safely! 🚶‍♂️
  14. 21. "Curb Your Enthusiasm" network — Answer: HBO. Hint: Think of the premium channel that often features dramatic series and late-night talk shows! 📺
  15. 22. "Let It Go" singer Menzel — Answer: IDINA. Hint: This Broadway star is known for her powerful voice and played Elphaba in 'Wicked'! 🎤
  16. 25. Vanish into thin air — Answer: GOPOOF. Hint: It’s what a magician does to make something disappear! 🎩
  17. 26. Acting unthinkingly — Answer: ONAUTO. Hint: Sometimes you go through the motions without really thinking about them! 🤔
  18. 27. Geometrical corner — Answer: VERTEX. Hint: Think about where two lines meet in a shape! 🔺
  19. 28. Like a triceratops — Answer: HORNED. Hint: Think of those impressive features on its head! 🦖
  20. 29. Delphi prophet — Answer: ORACLE. Hint: This term refers to a source of wise counsel, often associated with ancient Greece. 🔮
  21. 30. Start a long drive, in a way — Answer: TEEOFF. Hint: It's how you kick off a round of golf! ⛳️
  22. 31. Tell a tall tale — Answer: LIE. Hint: Sometimes, it's just a stretch of the truth! 🤫
  23. 33. "This Old House" network — Answer: PBS. Hint: Tune in for home improvement tips and a bit of culture! 📺
  24. 36. Monty Python musical with a portmanteau title — Answer: SPAMALOT. Hint: This comedic romp takes inspiration from a legendary tale and adds a dash of absurdity! 🎭
  25. 37. Absolute, as nonsense — Answer: UTTER. Hint: When something is completely ridiculous, you might say it’s this kind of nonsense! 😂
  26. 38. "Illmatic" rapper — Answer: NAS. Hint: This influential New York rapper had a debut album that redefined hip-hop in the '90s. 🎤
  27. 42. What doers produce — Answer: RESULTS. Hint: Think about what happens when actions meet outcomes! 🎯
  28. 44. Luau locale — Answer: HAWAII. Hint: Think of a tropical paradise known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture! 🌺
  29. 45. Obsessive pop culture subculture — Answer: FANDOM. Hint: This is where passionate fans gather to celebrate their favorite shows and movies! 🎉
  30. 46. "Count me in!" — Answer: IMDOWN. Hint: When you're ready to join the fun, say this! 🎉
  31. 47. Yellow card wielder — Answer: REF. Hint: This official keeps the game in check and can show you a warning if you're not playing nice! ⚽
  32. 49. Job for Mrs. Doubtfire — Answer: NANNY. Hint: She knows how to juggle both fun and responsibility! 👩‍👧‍👦
  33. 51. Sled dog command — Answer: MUSH. Hint: It's a playful word you shout to get those pups moving! 🐾
  34. 52. Number of years that George Washington lived in the White House — Answer: ZERO. Hint: He never actually called it home during his presidency! 🏛️
  35. 53. Last U.S. national park alphabetically — Answer: ZION. Hint: This park in Utah is known for its stunning red cliffs and canyoneering adventures! 🏞️
  36. 54. Bowen formerly of "S.N.L." — Answer: YANG. Hint: Think of a comedian who ran for a big office! 🎤
  37. 55. High card — Answer: ACE. Hint: This card often leads the pack in many games! 🃏
  38. 56. Hightailed it — Answer: RAN. Hint: When you need to escape quickly, you might do this! 🏃‍♂️
  39. 57. "___ be my pleasure!" — Answer: ITD. Hint: This phrase often expresses willingness or joy in doing something for someone! 😊

The answer to “Luau instrument, informally” in the New York Times crossword is UKE — a 3-letter word. This clue ran in the New York Times crossword on July 7, 2026, a Tuesday puzzle, at 12-Down. If it's the entry standing between you and a clean grid, that's the word you need — and below you'll find why it fits, plus links to the day's other clues if more than one square is giving you trouble.

“Luau instrument, informally” answer

UKE (3 letters)

Reveal the solution one letter at a time with the tiles above if you'd rather nudge yourself toward it than see the whole word at once. Just want it outright? The answer is UKE.

Why the answer is UKE

This small, cheerful string instrument is often associated with Hawaiian music! 🎶

When else has “Luau instrument, informally” appeared?

The New York Times reuses clues across dates, sometimes with a different answer depending on the grid. Here's where this exact clue has shown up before, and what the answer was each time — handy if you landed here from a puzzle on another date.

More clues from the NYT crossword on July 7, 2026

Stuck elsewhere in the grid? Here are some of the crossing and nearby clues from the same puzzle — tap any for its answer and explanation.

Want every clue in one place? The full New York Times answer list for July 7, 2026 is on that day's grid page, and today's live NYT answers are always one tap from the today page.

About the NYT crossword

The New York Times crossword, edited by Will Shortz, is the most famous daily puzzle in the United States. It runs a 15×15 grid Monday through Saturday and a larger 21×21 grid on Sunday, and its difficulty deliberately ramps through the week: Monday is the most approachable, Saturday the toughest, with Thursday often reserved for a trick or twist like rebus squares. This page covers a Tuesday puzzle. A straight-definition entry is the kind of solid mid-grid answer that anchors the trickier crossings around it. Because the NYT reuses short, crossing-friendly words regularly, seeing them once makes them easier to spot next time.

Frequently asked questions

What is the answer to “Luau instrument, informally”?

The answer is UKE, a 3-letter word. It appeared in the New York Times crossword on July 7, 2026.

How many letters is the answer to “Luau instrument, informally”?

3 letters: UKE.

Where did this clue appear?

In the New York Times crossword on July 7, 2026 (a Tuesday puzzle), at 12-Down.

Can “Luau instrument, informally” have a different answer?

Yes — the New York Times sometimes reuses a clue with a different solution to fit the grid. The answers we've recorded for each date it appeared are listed above when available.

Where can I find the rest of this day's NYT answers?

The full grid for July 7, 2026 is on the NYT answers page, with every clue and answer from that puzzle.

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