crossword clue char – All Crossword Answers

Q: What does 'char' mean in a crossword puzzle?

In crosswords, 'char' can commonly refer to a type of fish (like Arctic char), a colloquial term for tea (especially in British English), or a verb meaning to burn, scorch, or carbonize lightly. It can also, less commonly, relate to the act of cleaning (as in 'charwoman' for a domestic cleaner).

Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're tackling a puzzle and landed on "crossword clue char", you're in the right place. We provide quick, accurate solutions and explanations to help you complete your crossword with ease. Discover all possible answers, categorized by their letter count, and learn more about this versatile clue.

Solutions for "crossword clue char" by Letter Count

3 Letters

TEA: Colloquial British term for a cup of tea, as in "a nice cuppa char."

4 Letters

SEAR: To burn or scorch the surface of something quickly with intense heat.

BURN: To consume by fire or heat; to damage or destroy by fire.

5 Letters

SINGE: To burn slightly or superficially, often affecting only the ends or surface of something.

CLEAN: An archaic or less common interpretation, derived from 'charwoman,' meaning to clean a house or perform domestic chores.

7 Letters

BLACKEN: To make or become black or dark, often by burning or scorching.

More About "crossword clue char"

"Char" is a fascinating word in the English language, possessing multiple distinct meanings that make it a frequent and sometimes tricky clue in crosswords. Primarily, it's recognized as a verb meaning to burn or scorch, often referring to a partial or superficial burning. Think of charred wood or food that's been lightly burnt on the grill. This interpretation often leads to answers like SEAR, SINGE, or BLACKEN.

Beyond its pyrotechnic connotations, "char" is also a common colloquial term in British English for tea, as in "a cup of char." This usage can catch non-British solvers off guard but is a staple in many UK-based crosswords. Furthermore, "char" can refer to a type of fish, specifically the Arctic char, a cold-water fish related to salmon and trout. While less common than the other two meanings, it's another possibility to consider.

Finally, an older, less frequent meaning of "char" relates to the word "charwoman" or "char," meaning to work as a domestic cleaner, or to perform chores. This interpretation, while archaic, occasionally surfaces in historical or more obscure crossword puzzles, potentially leading to answers like CLEAN or CHARE (an archaic synonym for chore).

Tips For Your Next Puzzle

Consider Letter Count First: Always match the number of letters you have with the possible answers. This is the quickest way to eliminate many options, especially for a multi-faceted clue like "char."
Look at Intersecting Clues: The letters from crossing words are your best friends. If you have an "A" in the third position, you can immediately rule out answers that don't fit.
Understand Context and Nuance: Pay attention to the phrasing of the clue. Does it imply a cooking method? A beverage? A state of being? This can help you lean towards the correct meaning of "char." For instance, "Burn lightly" strongly suggests SINGE, while "Brew" might point to TEA.
Think British English: For clues that seem to have no obvious answer, especially short ones, consider if there's a common British English colloquialism at play. "Char" for tea is a prime example.

For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "char" mean in a crossword puzzle?

In crosswords, "char" can commonly refer to a type of fish (like Arctic char), a colloquial term for tea (especially in British English), or a verb meaning to burn, scorch, or carbonize lightly. It can also, less commonly, relate to the act of cleaning (as in 'charwoman' for a domestic cleaner).

Why are there multiple answers for "char"?

Crossword clues often have multiple valid answers because words can have several meanings, synonyms, or homonyms. The correct answer depends on the number of letters required and the surrounding intersecting words in the puzzle, which help narrow down the possibilities.

How can I distinguish between the different meanings of "char" in a crossword?

To distinguish, first look at the number of letters in the blank. Then, check the intersecting letters from other clues – these are crucial. Also, consider the puzzle's theme or any specific context provided by the clue itself. For example, if it's a food-related puzzle, 'char' might refer to the fish or a cooking method; if it's about beverages, 'tea' is likely.