NYT Dictionary

COOTIE

/ˈkuːti/
NounCOOT-iecoot-ie · 2 syllablesGrade 1

Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Meaning

A louse (Pediculus humanus).

Etymology

Origin: Unknown

Probably from Malay kutu (“flea, louse”) (and/or Tagalog/Māori). First attested in English in 1917 as British army slang during World War I.

NYT Puzzle Appearances

Accepted in 11 recorded puzzles:

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