Quick Answer
The New York Times Mini crossword clue “The ‘M’ of D.M.V.” is answered with “MOTOR”, a 5-letter entry.
Clue: “The ‘M’ of D.M.V.”
Answer: MOTOR
Answer length: 5 letters
Clue number and direction: 4-Across
The New York Times crossword clue “The ‘M’ of D.M.V.” is answered with MOTOR.
In the grid, it appears as M O T O R (MOTOR).
Why MOTOR Is the Right NYT Answer
- “D.M.V.” stands for Department of Motor Vehicles, so the “M” expands to Motor. The clue is essentially asking you to spell out that middle word, making MOTOR an exact, literal match.
- For the Feb 10, 2026 NYT Mini, lists of across answers clearly confirm 4-Across: The “M” of D.M.V. — MOTOR. It also fits the required 5-letter pattern, which rules out shorter answers like “MOT.”
What MOTOR Means in Plain English
- In everyday language, a motor is a machine that produces motion, typically converting electrical or other energy into movement. In the phrase “motor vehicle,” it refers to a vehicle powered by a motor or engine, such as a car, truck, or motorcycle.
- That’s why many regions use the term “Department of Motor Vehicles” for the agency that licenses drivers and registers vehicles, giving this clue a very familiar, real-world basis.
Crossword-Specific Help for This Clue
In this NYT Mini, “The ‘M’ of D.M.V.” appears at 4-Across with a 5-letter slot, which matches MOTOR exactly. As you fill the puzzle, crossings from the Down clues help lock it in:
- Pattern like M _ T O R confirms your guess quickly.
- Even early, M _ _ _ R with DMV in the clue strongly nudges you to MOTOR.
- DMV-based entries show up often in the NYT Mini and main crossword (e.g., “Things issued by the D.M.V.” → IDS in another puzzle), so it’s useful to remember common expansions like MOTOR.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
When you see clues in the style of:
- “The ‘D’ of D.M.V.”
- “The ‘V’ of D.M.V.”
- “The ‘M’ in mph,” “The ‘T’ of TSA”
they usually want you to expand an abbreviation, not define the whole phrase. Check the letter count: for a 5-letter answer tied to DMV, MOTOR is the natural fit.
Other DMV-related clues might reference:
- “Things issued by the D.M.V.” → IDS
- “D.M.V.-issued card …” → often ID or LICENSE-type answers, depending on length.
Get in the habit of mentally expanding common government acronyms; that’s a reliable trick for both Minis and full-size NYT grids.
