Cue: meaning, definitions and examples

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cue

 

[ kjuː ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

in a performance

A signal for action; a prompt or indication.

Synonyms

indication, prompt, signal

Examples of usage

  • She missed her cue and entered too early.
  • The actor waited for his cue to enter the stage.
Context #2 | Noun

in a conversation

A hint or suggestion to prompt a specific response or action.

Synonyms

hint, prompt, suggestion

Examples of usage

  • She gave him a cue to start talking about his new project.
  • His raised eyebrow was a cue for her to change the subject.
Context #3 | Verb

give a cue

To give a signal or prompt to someone.

Synonyms

indicate, prompt, signal

Examples of usage

  • She cued the musician to start playing.
  • He cued her to begin the presentation.

Translations

Translations of the word "cue" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dica

🇮🇳 संकेत

🇩🇪 Hinweis

🇮🇩 petunjuk

🇺🇦 підказка

🇵🇱 wskazówka

🇯🇵 合図 (あいず)

🇫🇷 indice

🇪🇸 señal

🇹🇷 ipucu

🇰🇷 신호

🇸🇦 إشارة

🇨🇿 nápověda

🇸🇰 nápoveda

🇨🇳 提示 (tíshì)

🇸🇮 namig

🇮🇸 vísbending

🇰🇿 белгі

🇬🇪 ნიშანი

🇦🇿 işarə

🇲🇽 señal

Etymology

The word 'cue' originated in the 16th century from the Middle French word 'queue', meaning 'tail'. It was first used in the context of billiards to refer to the stick used to strike the ball. Over time, 'cue' evolved to also mean a signal or prompt, especially in the context of performances. The use of 'cue' in conversation to indicate a hint or suggestion developed later.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,959, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.