This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Sunday, February 1, 2026 (43 Down) and the NYT Crossword on Sunday, December 28, 2025 (73 Down). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Sunday puzzles are large (21 by 21) and themed, about as hard as a Wednesday or Thursday.
NYT Crossword, February 1, 2026, 43 Down
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
P _ _ _ _
First and last letters
P _ _ _ L
Show the answer
About the answer
PEARL as a word: (literally) A shelly concretion, usually rounded, and having a brilliant luster, with varying tints, found in the mantle, or between the mantle and shell, of...; Nacre; mother-of-pearl.
PEARL has been an answer 4 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since December 28, 2025.
NYT Crossword, December 28, 2025, 73 Down
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
P _ _ _ _
First and last letters
P _ _ _ L
Show the answer
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
- Caustic solutions (39 Down)
- Mother of Helios, in myth (40 Down)
- Metaphor for a runaway success (41 Down)
- Gen Z put-down of an elder (42 Down)
- Orbit (44 Down)
- Arcane technique (48 Down)
- Iron-rich variety of fertile soil (49 Down)
- Exclamations in nurseries (50 Down)
Play today's NYT Crossword at The New York Times
All crossword clues · Today's NYT Crossword answers · Today's Mini answers