Connections Answers

Monday, September 14, 2026

1

WATERBIRDS

All of these words are types of birds that live near or on water.
Individual words:
•COOT: A medium-sized waterbird, usually dark-colored, with a white beak and forehead shield. It swims on lakes and ponds.
•GOOSE: A common large waterbird, bigger than a duck, with a long neck. Geese often migrate in V-formations and make a 'honking' sound.
•LOON: A large diving waterbird found in northern regions, famous for its wild, beautiful calls. It is sometimes a symbol of wilderness.
•TEAL: A small type of duck that lives on water. 'Teal' is also the name of a greenish-blue color, often inspired by the bird's feathers.
2

INFORMANT

These words are all informal or slang terms for a person who secretly gives information to the police or other authorities, often betraying friends or associates.
Individual words:
•CANARY: A canary is a small yellow bird known for singing. In American slang, a 'canary' is someone who 'sings,' meaning they tell secrets or information to the police or other authorities.
•RAT: A rat is a common rodent. In slang, to 'rat on' someone means to betray them by telling their secrets or illegal actions to authorities. A 'rat' is such an informant.
•SNITCH: To 'snitch' means to secretly tell someone in authority (like a teacher or police) about someone else's wrongdoing. A 'snitch' is the person who acts as an informant.
•STOOLIE: A 'stoolie' is an informal American term for someone who works secretly for the police or government, providing information about criminals or illegal activities. They are an informant.
3

COMMON SINGLE-USE PLASTIC ITEMS

These words refer to common items made of plastic that people usually use only one time and then throw away. They are frequently found with takeout food or drinks in the US.
Individual words:
•BAG: A thin plastic container, often used once for shopping or carrying food. Many countries are stopping their use to protect nature.
•CUTLERY: Plastic forks, knives, and spoons used for eating, especially with fast food or picnics. You throw them away after using them one time.
•STIRRER: A small stick, usually plastic, used to mix sugar or milk into a drink like coffee. You use it once and then throw it away.
•STRAW: A thin plastic tube used for drinking liquids, like soda or juice, without tipping the cup. Many places now offer paper or reusable straws instead.
4

___GRASS

Each of these words can be combined with 'GRASS' to form a compound word or common phrase, referring to different types of plants or cultural terms.
Individual words:
•BLUE: Bluegrass is a style of American folk music. 'Kentucky Bluegrass' is also a common type of lawn grass in the US.
•CRAB: Crabgrass is a common type of weed that grows in lawns and gardens, making them look messy and unwanted.
•LEMON: Lemongrass is an herb with a lemon flavor, often used in Asian cooking and teas, and for its fresh scent.
•WHEAT: Wheatgrass is the young plant from wheat. People often drink its juice because they believe it is very healthy.
☕NYT Connections Answers for Monday, September 14, 2026 | ESL Explanations | NYT Games ESL