51 Down

NYT Daily • August 23, 2025

Cute sound?

Answer:

LONGU

Hint:

Think of a soft, drawn-out coo from a bird that rhymes with "wrong you."

Explanation:

The clue "Cute sound?" plays on the word "aww," the noise people make when they see something adorable. But instead of spelling it normally, it’s written as "LONG U" (like the letter "U" stretched out—awww). So "LONG U" sounds like "longu," turning a sweet reaction into a clever, punny answer.

More Clues from This Puzzle

16 Across

10 letters

Galaxy program, e.g.

25 Across

8 letters

Mutually accepts

57 Across

10 letters

Plant-based meat alternative that sizzles

14 Down

5 letters

Take a series of steps?