This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Friday, January 23, 2026 (43 Across). The answer is hidden below until you want it. Friday puzzles are themeless and hard, with clues that are vague on purpose.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
E _ _ _ _
First and last letters
E _ _ _ A
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About the answer
ELENA as a word: A female given name from Italian, Spanish, or Ancient Greek; A surname originating as a matronymic.
ELENA has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 18, 2025.
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