This clue appeared in the NYT Crossword on Thursday, February 19, 2026 (68 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.
Answer length: 5 squares
First letter
D _ _ _ _
First and last letters
D _ _ _ E
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About the answer
DRONE as a word: A male ant, bee, or wasp, which does not work but can fertilize the queen; One who performs menial or tedious work.
DRONE has been an answer 2 times in the NYT Crossword and Mini since February 19, 2026.
Other clues with the same answer
More clues from this puzzle
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