This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, January 15, 2026 (24 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Thursday puzzles often have a trick, such as a rebus (several letters in one square) or answers that bend the rules.
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: 3 squares
First letter
L _ _
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About the answer
LIL as a word: (gypsy slang, obsolete) A book; A diminutive of the female given name Lilian/Lillian/Lily.
LIL has been an answer 6 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since December 22, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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- Stat for Aaron Judge (25 Across)
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