May 23, 2026 Daily / 17D / 9 letters
Puzzle clues NYT Crossword
Canal blocker? NYT Crossword Clue
Use the hint first, then reveal the answer only if you need it.
Hint
The question mark is a signal to read the clue indirectly. Try a playful answer that fits the 9-letter slot rather than only a plain synonym.
How to solve it
Read the clue type first
For the clue: Canal blocker?, first identify whether the wording is direct, referential, abbreviated, or playful. This one is best treated as a wordplay.
- The question mark is a signal to read the clue indirectly. Try a playful answer that fits the 9-letter slot rather than only a plain synonym.
- The answer slot has 9 letters, which narrows the clue to a specific grid shape.
- This clue appears at 17D in the NYT Crossword, so check the Across crossings for confirmation.
Reveal Answer Hide Answer
HEADPHONE
Explanation
Why This Answer Fits
HEADPHONE is the 9-letter answer for the clue: Canal blocker?. The question mark makes this a wordplay-style clue, so the answer is supported by an indirect reading of the wording. In this NYT Crossword, it appears at 17D, so the crossing entries help verify the exact spelling.
- Grid entry: HEADPHONE in the grid.
- Answer pattern: _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
- Clue type: Wordplay.
- HEADPHONE has 9 letters, matching the required slot for 17D.
Answer history
Other NYT Crossword Clues Using HEADPHONE
We have not seen many previous NYT clues for this answer yet.
View all HEADPHONE clues Position 17D
Answer length 9
Puzzle type Daily
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History
Clue History
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