Theme: Things that Point!

Some indicate a direction, some have pointed ends, and others help guide movement or attention.

9 themed words All 26 letters covered Vowels shown in gold Consonants hidden in blue
1
  I     A
Show expanded hints
  1. A direction
  2. Important in Islam
  3. Associated with Mecca
  4. Used to orient prayer
Reveal answer
Q I B L A
Background information
Qibla is the direction toward the Kaaba in Mecca that Muslims face during prayer.
2
A     O  
Show expanded hints
  1. May be a symbol
  2. May be a projectile
  3. Has a pointed end
  4. Often indicates direction
Reveal answer
A R R O W
Background information
An arrow can physically point toward a target or serve as a symbol indicating a direction.
3
  I     E  
Show expanded hints
  1. Part of the hand
  2. Can indicate an object
  3. Used in gestures
  4. Often extended to show direction
Reveal answer
F I N G E R
Background information
A finger is commonly extended to point toward a person, object, place or direction.
4
  E E     E
Show expanded hints
  1. Thin object
  2. Has a sharp point
  3. Found in sewing
  4. A compass version indicates direction
Reveal answer
N E E D L E
Background information
A needle has a pointed tip, while a compass needle aligns with Earth's magnetic field to indicate direction.
5
  U     O  
Show expanded hints
  1. Seen on a screen
  2. Controlled by a mouse or trackpad
  3. Marks a position
  4. Can point at digital items
Reveal answer
C U R S O R
Background information
A cursor indicates a position on a computer display and can be moved to point at or select digital objects.
6
  O     A    
Show expanded hints
  1. Navigation tool
  2. Uses directions
  3. Often contains a magnetic needle
  4. Helps identify north
Reveal answer
C O M P A S S
Background information
A magnetic compass uses a freely moving needle that aligns approximately north-south to help determine direction.
7
      A   I  
Show expanded hints
  1. Used in coordinates
  2. Represents three dimensions
  3. Includes three lettered axes
  4. Shows directions in space
Reveal answer
X Y Z A X I S
Background information
The X, Y and Z axes define three coordinate directions used to describe positions and movement in three-dimensional space.
8
  O       I    
Show expanded hints
  1. Control device
  2. Moved by hand
  3. Used in games and machines
  4. Directs movement
Reveal answer
J O Y S T I C K
Background information
A joystick is moved in different directions to steer or control an on-screen object, vehicle or machine.
9
  E A     E     A   E
Show expanded hints
  1. Mounted outdoors
  2. Responds to wind
  3. Often found on rooftops
  4. Indicates wind direction
Reveal answer
W E A T H E R V A N E
Background information
A weather vane rotates with the wind and points in a way that indicates the direction from which the wind is blowing.

Pointing Facts

🧭 Magnetic Direction
A compass needle aligns with Earth's magnetic field, making it useful for finding direction.
🏹 Ancient Pointer
Arrows have served both as projectiles and as widely recognized symbols for direction.
🌬️ Reading the Wind
Weather vanes have been used for centuries to indicate wind direction.
📐 Three Dimensions
The X, Y and Z axes provide three perpendicular directions for describing positions in three-dimensional coordinate systems.