In the New York Times crossword clue “What ‘e-’ can mean (NYT)”, the answer is usually about what the prefix “e-” stands for in modern usage, like “electronic” (as in email, e-book, e-commerce).

Common meanings of “e-”

When this shows up in a NYT crossword, “e-” can typically clue:

  • Electronic
    • Used for things done via computers or the internet: email (electronic mail), e-file (electronic filing), e-sign (electronic signature), e-book (electronic book).
  • Online / digital sense
    • Even when the explicit expansion “electronic” isn’t written out, “e-” in puzzle clues almost always points to something internet‑ or computer‑based, like e-tail (online retail).

So if you see a clue like “What ‘e-’ can mean,” think “electronic,” then look for a grid answer that matches the letter count and connects to that idea.

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