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Wordle today starts with C and ends with O and has two vowels (E and O).
This word refers to a large, deep-voiced string instrument held between the legs while playing.
The NYT Wordle answer for February 9, 2026, is CELLO, a staple of any string quartet or orchestra.
NYT Wordle for February 9 (Monday) has decided to strike a chord with a word that is both elegant and a bit tricky. While the letters themselves are common, the double-letter trap may fool players. Puzzle #1696 is a bit of a ‘string’ theory and might leave you feeling a little high-strung if you can't find the right vibration.
If your usual strategy is sounding a bit flat today, don't worry; we’re here to help you compose a win without breaking a bow. So, let’s break down today’s hints, some fascinating musical history, and a walkthrough to help you land on the solution.
Here are some clues to help you find the right path:
1. This is the duo name of Luka Šulić & Stjepan Hauser, two artists who rose to fame in 2011 with their viral YouTube cover of Michael Jackson's ‘Smooth Criminal’.
2. It rhymes with ‘Bellow’ and ‘Mellow,’ though its sound is far more refined.
3. This instrument is played while seated, unlike a violin. You’ll often see it placed between the player’s knees during performances.
Solving Wordle #1696 requires navigating the double-letter structure. Here is a tactical path:
First Guess: TRAIL– A classic opening for checking common alphabets. It confirms the presence of ‘L’ in the word but rules out the fifth position for it.
Second Guess: CLOVE – This is a great follow-up. It tests the ‘L’ in second place, confirms the ‘C’ is in the right spot, and probes for an O. You would find that ‘E’ and ‘O’ are present but in the wrong positions.
Third Guess: SELLS – It looks for the double consonant. E, L, L all turn green.
Final Logic: By now, you have found all five letters of the Wordle answer today. The word structure is C E L L _. However, if you are still feeling unconfident with your guess, scroll down!
The answer to Wordle #1696 is CELLO.
Today’s Wordle solution is actually a linguistic paradox! According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, CELLO is an abbreviation of the Italian word ‘Violoncello’. In Italian, violone means ‘large viola,’ while the suffix -cello means ‘little.’ So, translated literally, today's Wordle answer means ‘little large viola’.
The oldest surviving cello in the world is known as ‘The King.’ It was built by Andrea Amati between 1538 and 1560 for the French court. Unlike modern cellos, the earliest versions didn't have an endpin; performers had to grip the instrument tightly with their legs to keep it from sliding across the floor during a performance!
Also Read: NYT Strands Hints, Spangram, and Answers for February 8, 2026
Today’s puzzle was a lovely change of pace. It reminds us that Wordle often leans into ‘loanwords’ from Italian and French. The challenge today wasn't finding the letters, it was realizing the word used a double ‘L’ and a somewhat rare ending in ‘O.’ If you managed to solve it in three or four tries, you're definitely in tune with the game. Come back tomorrow for more Wordle hints, tips, and tricks!
Also Read: Today’s Quordle Hints and Answers for Feb 9, 2026
