Cue
/kjuː/
Definitions
3 meaningsA signal or prompt to do something.
/kjuː/
A signal or prompt
The director gave the actors their cues.
💡 Simply: A 'cue' is like a secret signal, a nudge, or a reminder that tells you when it's your turn to do something. Imagine your friend winking at you—that's a cue to laugh at the joke!
👶 For kids: A cue is like a secret word or signal that tells you it's time to do something, like when the music starts at a play and you know it's time to act.
More Examples
The orchestra took their cue from the conductor.
The flashing light was my cue to leave the building.
She missed her cue and the play almost stopped.
How It's Used
"The actor waited for his cue to enter the stage."
"She gave me a cue to leave the party early."
A long stick used in billiards or pool to hit the ball.
/kjuː/
A stick used in billiards
He chalked his cue to improve his grip.
💡 Simply: A 'cue' can also mean the long stick you use in games like pool or billiards to hit the balls. It’s how you aim and get the balls to move where you want them to go.
👶 For kids: A cue can also be a long stick you use to hit the balls in games like pool or billiards. It's how you play the game!
More Examples
The pool hall provided cues for all players.
She expertly aimed with her cue and made the winning shot.
How It's Used
"He carefully lined up his cue for the shot."
To give someone a signal or prompt to do something.
/kjuː/
To give someone a signal or prompt
The director cued the actor to enter the stage.
💡 Simply: When you 'cue' someone, you're giving them a hint or a signal to do something. It's like giving your friend a nod when it’s time to start the surprise party!
👶 For kids: To cue someone means to give them a secret sign or signal to do something, like when you whisper to your friend to sing the next line of a song.
More Examples
The timer cued us to start the race.
She was cued by her assistant to end the meeting.
How It's Used
"The stage manager cued the lighting crew."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
take a cue from
To follow the example or behavior of someone else.
"I decided to take a cue from my friend and start exercising regularly."
From Middle English *kewe*, likely from Old French *queue* ('tail'), ultimately from Latin *cauda*. Originally referred to the braid of a wig, then evolved to mean a signal or prompt.
The term 'cue' in theater has been used since the 17th century. The billiard meaning appeared later.
Memory tip
Think of a stage performer waiting for their cue to begin their act.
Word Origin
"Tail"