WordLens

cue

1 of 2noun
/kju/
Forms:cues
1

a tapered rod used to strike the cue ball in billiards or pool

  • He chalked his cue before taking the shot.
  • The professional lined up the cue carefully.
  • The pool hall provided high-quality cues for the players.
  • She bought a new cue to improve her game.
  • His cue slipped slightly during the break shot.
2

something that signals or indicates what action to take

  • The bell was a cue for students to enter the classroom.
  • He waited for the cue to start speaking.
  • Traffic lights act as cues for drivers.
  • The teacher's nod served as a cue to begin.
  • Music served as a cue for the dancers to change steps.
3

a few words or actions that hint another performer to say a line or do something

B2

A cue is a signal or prompt for an actor or crew member to begin a specific action or deliver a line during a performance. It can be a verbal signal, such as a line spoken by another character, or a visual or auditory signal, such as a light change or sound effect. Cues help ensure that the performance runs smoothly and that timing is synchronized among all elements of the production.

  • The actor waited for his cue before entering the stage.
  • The director gave a subtle nod as a cue for the lights to dim.
  • She missed her cue and entered the scene at the wrong moment.
  • His cue came just as the audience held their breath in anticipation.
  • During rehearsals, the actors practiced responding to each other's cues.
4

evidence or information that helps solve a problem or mystery

  • The footprints were a cue for the detective.
  • The strange noise gave a cue about what had happened.
  • Her hesitation was a cue to investigate further.
  • The puzzle provided several cues for the solution.
  • The sudden change in temperature was a cue to check the system.
Synonyms: