Quick Answer
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Crossword clue: “Classroom station”
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Answer: DESK – 4 letters
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Clue number and direction: 5 Across
The New York Times crossword clue “Classroom station” is answered with DESK in 4 letters. In the grid, it appears as DESK across.
Why DESK Is the Right NYT Answer
In a classroom, each student typically has a desk, which functions as their individual “station” for sitting, writing, and working. That makes DESK a direct, literal match for “Classroom station.”
For the February 12, 2026 NYT Mini, 5-Across is confirmed as DESK in the published answer sets. The four-letter slot matches D‑E‑S‑K exactly, and all crossings from the Downs (MIMED, AGAVE, RAZES, GREEK, CAL) support each letter, so there’s no competing alternative.
What DESK Means
A desk is a piece of furniture with a flat surface used for writing, reading, or working, often with drawers or storage underneath. In classroom settings, student desks are the standard individual workstations where students sit during lessons.
So the clue is simply using “station” in the sense of a personal work area, which aligns perfectly with DESK.
Solving Tips for Similar NYT Clues
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When a clue refers to a “station” in a school or office (classroom station, work station), think of DESK first, especially if the entry is 4 letters.
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Use surface context: in education or school-themed Minis, DESK, LAB, and HALL often show up as default answers.
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Lean on crossings: if you already have D_EK or _ESK from other entries, DESK becomes the obvious fill.
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Keep an internal list of common school-related entries: DESK, TEST, EXAM, LAB, CLASS, PROF, T.A., etc., as they recur frequently in NYT Minis.
How DESK Fits the Grid
For 5-Across on February 12, 2026, the NYT Mini provides a 4-square horizontal slot, matching DESK exactly. Pattern-wise, you’re filling:
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DESK(D‑E‑S‑K)
Each letter crosses validly with Down entries:
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D with MIMED.
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E with AGAVE.
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S with RAZES.
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K with GREEK or CAL, depending on the exact crossing point.
Because every crossing produces a real word, DESK is fully confirmed as the correct entry.
Other Ways DESK Might Be Clued
DESK appears frequently in crosswords with clue variations like:
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“Teacher’s piece of furniture”
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“Student’s work surface”
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“Office workstation”
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“Place to sit and study”
All of these lean on the same simple meaning of DESK as a primary work or study surface.
Complete February 12, 2026 NYT Mini Answers Today (Across & Down clues and answers)
Here are the key answers from the February 12, 2026 NYT Mini to help you complete the full grid.
Across
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Tequila cocktail that often comes in a salt-rimmed glass, casually | MARG | 4 |
| Signature export of Cuba | CIGAR | 5 |
| Bowl over | AMAZE | 5 |
| Flood regulator | LEVEE | 5 |
| Classroom station | DESK | 4 |
Down
| Clue | Answer | Letters |
|---|---|---|
| Acted without saying anything | MIMED | 5 |
| Desert plant used in tequila production | AGAVE | 5 |
| Demolishes | RAZES | 5 |
| Language from which we get “cosmos” and “democracy” | GREEK | 5 |
| Berkeley campus, for short | CAL | 3 |
