# cue

/ˈkju/ (US) · /kjˈuː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/cue
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. a signal for action

noun · CEFR B2

a signal, such as a word or action, that tells you it is time to do something.

For teachers: a signal, whether verbal or physical, that serves as an indicator for a person to begin a specific action or speech.

- The actor waited for his cue before walking onto the stage.
- The conductor gave a sharp nod as a cue for the woodwind section to begin their solo passage.

Usage: Often used with the preposition 'for' or 'to'.

### 2. a social or environmental hint

noun · CEFR B2

a small sign or hint in a situation that helps you understand what is happening.

For teachers: an indirect suggestion or environmental stimulus that provides information about how to behave or respond.

- I missed the social cues and didn't realize she was upset.
- Infants rely heavily on non-verbal cues, such as facial expressions and tone of voice, to interpret their parents' emotions.

### 3. sports equipment

noun · CEFR B2

a long, thin wooden stick used to hit the ball in games like pool, snooker, or billiards.

For teachers: a long, tapering wooden rod used to strike the cue ball in various billiard sports.

- He chalked the tip of his cue before taking the final shot.
- Professional players often travel with their own custom-made cues to ensure consistent weight and balance during tournaments.

### 4. to give a signal

verb · CEFR B2

to give someone a signal to start doing something.

For teachers: to provide a prompt or signal to an individual, particularly in a performance or broadcasting context.

- The director will cue the lights to dim as the music starts.
- The floor manager will cue the presenter once the commercial break has ended and the cameras are live again.

Usage: Often used as a phrasal verb 'cue up' when referring to preparing media for playback.

## Examples

- The actor waited for his cue to walk onto the stage.
- Social cues like a smile or a nod help people understand how a conversation is going.
- In professional broadcasting, the floor manager provides a silent hand signal as a cue for the presenter to begin their introductory monologue.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.