First course, for short crossword clue
20 Across · WSJ Crossword, September 21, 2026 · 5 letters
Explanation
The answer to “First course, for short” is INTRO. It appears as 20 Across in the Wall Street Journal crossword of September 21, 2026, a Monday puzzle titled “Variety Pack” by Zhouqin Burnikel, and it fills 5 squares running left to right from row 4, column 11 of the 15×15 grid.
The shortening cue in the clue tells you to expect an abbreviation or initials rather than a full word. The entry begins with I and ends with O, and contains 2 vowels and 3 consonants. If you are working from the crossings, two or three confirmed letters from the Down entries should be enough to lock it in. Monday puzzles are the most approachable of the week, so expect the rest of this grid to be pitched at the same level.
Past appearances
Clues in other WSJ puzzles with the answer INTRO:
- Beginner’s courseAug 27, 2026