Wintertime hanger-on
Published by Naitik Mehta · March 31, 2026
Stuck on the clue Wintertime hanger-on from the New York Times Midi for March 31, 2026? We have the correct 6-letter answer, including the definition, alternative hints, as well as other answers from the same crossword. Ready to learn more about this clue?
Clue
Wintertime hanger-on (6)
Answer
The answer to Wintertime hanger-on is Icicle (6 letters).
Why does Icicle fit this clue?
This clue uses wordplay where 'hanger-on' works as both a literal description and a figurative hint pointing to ICICLE. An icicle is a hanging spike of ice formed when dripping water freezes, literally hanging from eaves, branches, or other surfaces during winter. The phrase 'hanger-on' cleverly describes how icicles physically hang down from structures, while 'wintertime' provides the seasonal context when these ice formations naturally occur. Icicles form through repeated cycles of melting and refreezing, creating the distinctive tapered shape that dangles until warmer weather causes them to drop.
What does Wintertime hanger-on mean?
We break down each word in the clue and show its dictionary definitions below.
hanger-on
noun
•a person who associates with someone for personal gain
•something that clings or adheres to something else
Where did this clue appear?
This clue appeared as 19-across in the New York Times Midi on March 31, 2026, by Ian Livengood. See all answers for this puzzle.
NYT Midi — Mar 31, 2026
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What does Icicle mean?
noun
•A drooping, tapering shape of ice.
Origin of the word Icicle
•origin: Middle English 'isikel' from Old English 'gicel' (icicle) + 'is' (ice)
•period: Old English/Middle English
The word originally combined the Old English 'is' meaning ice with 'gicel' meaning icicle, creating a redundant compound that literally meant 'ice-icicle' before evolving into the modern form.
How to use Icicle in a sentence
Here are 3 examples of how to use the word Icicle.
•“The large icicle hanging from the roof gutter was a true wintertime hanger-on that didn't melt until spring arrived.”
•“She carefully broke off the sharp icicle that had formed outside her kitchen window.”
•“The children were fascinated by the long icicles dangling from the cave entrance like frozen daggers.”
What are other crossword clues for Icicle?
Learn about related clues
All clues from the New York Times Midi, Mar 31, 2026 crossword
The New York Times Midi for March 31, 2026 titled “Five in a Row” was published by Ian Livengood and has 33 clues. Curious about all the answers from this crossword puzzle? View all answers here.
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Frequently asked questions about Wintertime hanger-on
- What is the answer to Wintertime hanger-on?
- The answer is Icicle (6 letters).
- Where did this clue appear?
- This clue was last seen in the New York Times Midi on March 31, 2026.
- How many letters does the answer to Wintertime hanger-on have?
- The answer has 6 letters: Icicle.
Author
Naitik Mehta
Co-founder
Naitik is a gaming enthusiast who loves solving daily word games and enjoys the friendly competition from time to time. He is the co-founder of Crossword Chef and enjoys thinking about how to make crossword solving more fun for everyone around the world.
Puzzle
NYT Midi — Mar 31, 2026
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