This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, April 9, 2026 (59 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: 5 squares
First letter
L _ _ _ _
First and last letters
L _ _ _ S
Show the answer
About the answer
LOTUS as a word: A kind of aquatic plant, genus Nelumbo in the family Nelumbonaceae; A water lily, genus Nymphaea, especially those of Egypt or India.
LOTUS has been an answer 3 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since November 1, 2025.
Other clues with the same answer
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