This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, August 13, 2026 (27 Down). 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
U _ _ _
First and last letters
U _ _ F
Show the answer
About the answer
USAF as a word: (US, military, aviation) Initialism of United States Air Force.
USAF has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since June 25, 2026.
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