cue Definition
- 1a signal for someone to do something
- 2a long, thin wooden stick used to strike the ball in games such as pool and snooker
- 3a thing said or done that serves as a signal to an actor or other performer to enter or to begin their speech or performance
Using cue: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "cue" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The ringing of the bell was the cue for the actors to start the play.
Example
She took his silence as a cue to continue speaking.
Example
He missed the cue and failed to deliver his line on time.
Example
She hit the ball with the cue and it went straight into the pocket.
cue Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using cue
Example
The fireworks exploded on cue, lighting up the night sky.
Example
She took her cue from her boss and started dressing more professionally.
Example
He gave her the cue to start singing.
Phrases with cue
Example
When she saw him yawning, she picked up the cue and ended the meeting.
a large card with words written on it that is held up for someone to read aloud, especially a television presenter or an actor
Example
The presenter forgot her lines and had to read from the cue cards.
Example
He hit the cue ball too hard and it went off the table.
Origins of cue
from Old French 'cuer', meaning 'to drive'
Summary: cue in Brief
The term 'cue' [kjuː] refers to a signal or prompt for someone to do something, such as a bell ringing to start a play or someone's silence indicating they should continue speaking. It also refers to a long, thin wooden stick used in games like pool and snooker. In theater, a cue can be a spoken line or action that signals an actor to enter or begin their performance. Phrases like 'pick up the cue' and 'cue card' extend its usage, while idioms like 'on cue' and 'take your cue from someone/something' highlight its timing and influence.
