Puzzle Details
Use the level cards below to review the Daily Word Hive answers for May 17, 2026: RUST, SHINE, FAMILY, BALCONY. Each card keeps the answer connected to the hint, definition, difficulty, and word-learning context.
Level 1 - 4-letter puzzle
RUST (4-letter answer)
Orange coating on old metal
A reddish-brown corrosion that forms on iron or steel.
RUST is marked easy, making it a good confidence-building answer in the Daily Word Hive sequence.
The hint "Orange coating on old metal" points toward RUST by describing the idea behind the answer in everyday language.
This 4-letter answer helps anchor the Daily Word Hive 4-letter level with a clear word meaning, not just a string of letters.
Level 2 - 5-letter puzzle
SHINE (5-letter answer)
Give off light
To give off light or reflect light brightly.
SHINE is marked easy, making it a good confidence-building answer in the Daily Word Hive sequence.
The hint "Give off light" points toward SHINE by describing the idea behind the answer in everyday language.
This 5-letter answer helps anchor the Daily Word Hive 5-letter level with a clear word meaning, not just a string of letters.
Level 3 - 6-letter puzzle
FAMILY (6-letter answer)
Parents and children together
A group of related people, usually parents and children.
FAMILY is marked easy, making it a good confidence-building answer in the Daily Word Hive sequence.
The hint "Parents and children together" points toward FAMILY by describing the idea behind the answer in everyday language.
This 6-letter answer helps anchor the Daily Word Hive 6-letter level with a clear word meaning, not just a string of letters.
Level 4 - 7-letter puzzle
BALCONY (7-letter answer)
Outdoor ledge off a room
A platform that projects from a building, enclosed by a railing.
BALCONY is marked medium, so the hint and definition are useful checks before you compare it with your own solve.
The hint "Outdoor ledge off a room" points toward BALCONY by describing the idea behind the answer in everyday language.
This 7-letter answer helps anchor the Daily Word Hive 7-letter level with a clear word meaning, not just a string of letters.