Wordle May 11, also known as Wordle #1422, gave players a solid mix of familiarity and challenge. If you’re here looking for help, we’ve got clues that won’t spoil the fun. And if you just want the answer, you’ll find it below — but don’t scroll down too fast.

Today’s Wordle Hint: It’s related to a simple object made of wood

Here’s a quick teaser for Wordle May 11: the word describes a small, wooden object often used in DIY or furniture-making. If that sounds vague, don’t worry. We’ll break down some strategies to get you there in fewer guesses.

Wordle May 11 clues to guide your guesses

  • The word starts and ends with a consonant.
  • It contains a vowel in the middle — but only one.
  • Common letters like L, D, and W might come in handy.

If you’re aiming to be strategic, try words like PLANT or CLEFT as starters. They cover a good mix of consonants and vowels without repeating letters. Remember, the goal is to narrow down possibilities, not just hit the jackpot on the first guess.

Why today’s Wordle had players second-guessing

Wordle enthusiasts on X (formerly Twitter) admitted they hadn’t heard of today’s word before. That’s not unusual — the game sometimes dips into less common vocabulary to keep things interesting. But today’s word, while a bit specialized, is definitely legitimate.

Some players shared that their usual tactic of guessing related words didn’t work, and they ended up relying on lucky guesses. If that was you, no shame. That’s part of what makes Wordle fun and frustrating in equal measure.

The answer to Wordle May 11 (Wordle #1422)

DOWEL

Yep, dowel. A small wooden rod used to reinforce joints or in furniture assembly. It fits all the clues — starts and ends with a consonant, has one vowel in the middle, and is a common enough word in woodworking and craft contexts.

Quick etymology: Where does “dowel” come from?

The word dowel dates back to Middle English, possibly from the Old French doelle, meaning a small piece of wood. It’s been around long enough to sneak into Wordle puzzles without raising too many eyebrows among linguists.

How to improve your Wordle game after May 11

Whether you nailed “dowel” in three guesses or stumbled your way there, today’s puzzle offers a good lesson: don’t rely solely on common words. Expanding your vocabulary to include practical and slightly specialized terms can give you an edge.

Also, watch your vowel usage. Many players tend to overuse vowels early on. Mixing in consonants like L, D, and W can help balance your approach. And if you want a bit more challenge, try Wordle’s Hard Mode, which forces you to use revealed letters in your next guesses.

What’s next for Wordle players?

Tomorrow brings a new puzzle, and with it, a fresh chance to outsmart the wordmasters at The New York Times. Until then, feel free to experiment with different starting words and don’t be afraid to use a thesaurus every now and then. That’s how you turn Wordle from a daily grind into a word workout.

We’ll be back tomorrow with more hints, tips, and, if needed, the answer. Happy Wordling!