This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, May 28, 2026 (7 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: 4 squares
First letter
O _ _ _
First and last letters
O _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
OWLS as a word: an indie rock band from Chicago, Illinois; the debut studio album by American rock band Owls, which was released on July 31, 2001, through Jade Tree.
OWLS has been an answer once in the NYT Crossword and Mini puzzles we have on file, which go back to October 23, 2025.
More clues from this puzzle
- Surname of two Indian prime ministers (1 Across)
- Go (for) (11 Across)
- Drew Carey, Halle Berry or Guy Fieri, originally (14 Across)
- Baroque instrument (15 Across)
- Long-handled gardening tool or immoral pleasure seeker, per contestant Ken Jennings on "Jeopardy!" (incorrectly) (16 Across)
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