The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 4 letter word WORD
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
W
O
R
D
More clues leading to the result WORD
- Promise fair puzzle
- Controversy backing Duke’s command
- Shetland troll first to defend altercation
- Opposed to a hint, convoluted, husband dropped
- Part of speech that’s hummed out loud
- Promise jointly kept by law and order
- Promise a choice between seven days and one?
- Promise daughter fight is over
- Promise revealed in part of sentence?
- Hospital department needs oxygen instead of a statement
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "puzzle" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case puzzle = word.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WORD mean?
WORD noun- The smallest unit of language that has a particular meaning and can be expressed by itself; the smallest discrete, meaningful unit of language. (contrast morpheme.)
- Something like such a unit of language:
- The fact or act of speaking, as opposed to taking action. .
- Something that someone said; a comment, utterance; speech.
- A watchword or rallying cry, a verbal signal (even when consisting of multiple words).
- A proverb or motto.
- News; tidings (used without an article).
- An order; a request or instruction; an expression of will.
- A promise; an oath or guarantee.
- A brief discussion or conversation.
- (in the plural) See words.
- (sometimes Word) Communication from God; the message of the Christian gospel; the Bible, Scripture.
- (sometimes Word) Logos, Christ.
- To say or write (something) using particular words; to phrase (something).
- To flatter with words, to cajole.
- To ply or overpower with words.
- To conjure with a word.
- To speak, to use words; to converse, to discourse.
- Truth, indeed, that is the truth! The shortened form of the statement "My word is my bond."
- (stereotypically) An abbreviated form of word up; a statement of the acknowledgment of fact with a hint of nonchalant approval.
- (except in set phrases) To be, become, betide.