Quick Answer
Clue: “Docking area”
Answer: WHARF
Length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 5-Down
The New York Times crossword clue “Docking area” has the answer “WHARF”, a 5-letter entry for 5-Down.
Why “WHARF” Is the Right NYT Answer
Helper sites for the February 4, 2026 NYT Mini list WHARF as the 5-letter solution to “Docking area.” A wharf is specifically a structure along the shore where ships dock to load and unload cargo or passengers, which matches “docking area” precisely.
The grid slot for 5-Down needs five letters, and WHARF fits neatly as W H A R F, often emerging with patterns like W_ARF or _HARF once crossings are in. Other possible maritime answers like DOCK (4) or PIER (4) don’t meet the 5-letter requirement, so the length strongly reinforces WHARF.
What “WHARF” Means in Plain English
A wharf is a solid structure built along the edge of a harbor, river, or canal where ships tie up, load, and unload. You can think of it as the long, flat platform beside the water where cargo, passengers, or fishing catches are handled.
In everyday usage, wharf is closely related to terms like dock, quay, and pier, but it usually refers to the shoreline platform rather than the water space itself. For crossword purposes, any clue suggesting a place where ships dock, tie up, or load often points to WHARF when the slot is five letters.
Crossword-Specific Help for 5-Down
Definition: a place where docking happens → WHARF fits that definition exactly.
Length: 5 letters → W‑H‑A‑R‑F is the standout choice.
As you fill in the cross letters from the Across entries, you might see patterns such as:
W H A _ F
_ H A R F
Once those show up, WHARF becomes the only sensible maritime structure that fits. WHARF is a recurring crossword answer and also appears as WHARFS/WHARVES for plural clues like “Places to dock boats” or “Port facilities.”
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Dock/Harbor Clues
Nautical-structure clues often rotate among a small set of words; pairing definition + length is key:
4 letters: DOCK, PIER, QUAY.
5 letters: WHARF, QUAYS (pl.), DOCKS.
6+ letters: HARBOR, SEAPORT, MARINA.
If the clue is “Docking area,” “Shipping docks,” or “Where ships load cargo” and the slot is 5 letters, WHARF should be your first thought. You can also use crossings to distinguish WHARF from DOCK: if you already have a W or H starting the entry, WHARF almost certainly wins.
