This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Monday, March 30, 2026 (45 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Monday puzzles are the easiest of the week, so the clue is likely a plain definition.
Answer length: 4 squares
First letter
R _ _ _
First and last letters
R _ _ K
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About the answer
ROOK as a word: (chess) A piece shaped like a castle tower, that can be moved only up, down, left or right (but not diagonally) or in castling; A European bird, Corvus frugilegus, of the crow family.
ROOK has been an answer 5 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 9, 2025.
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