How do you pronounce it?
Say HAY-zuhl, /ˈheɪzl/. It has two syllables, with the stress on HAY. The first four letters also spell haze, whose ending sound continues into the l of hazel.
Where the word comes from
Hazel comes from Old English hæsel, a Germanic plant name. Oxford connects it with words for the hazel tree and hazelnut in other Germanic languages. The plant and color meanings are the background vocabulary; the HAZE hidden in the spelling is not a claim that the word was formed from haze plus l.
Why this word appears in Connections
The October 18, 2026 Connections puzzle places HAZEL with FOGERTY, MISTER, and VAPORETTO. Their beginnings produce HAZE, FOG, MIST, and VAPOR. It is tempting to pair HAZEL with CHEST because hazelnut and chestnut are familiar compounds, but the complete solution uses CHEST as clothing storage and HAZEL for its opening letters. A promising pair is not a full group until all four tiles follow the same rule.
Puzzles featuring this word
Related words in the same group
Frequently asked questions
What does hazel mean?
Hazel names a tree or shrub that bears hazelnuts. It also describes an eye color containing brown, green, or gold tones.
Does hazel mean haze?
No. Hazel and haze have different everyday meanings. HAZEL begins with the letters HAZE, which is the spelling relationship used in Connections #1225.
Why is HAZEL grouped with FOGERTY, MISTER, and VAPORETTO?
Each tile begins with a word associated with obscured air: HAZE, FOG, MIST, or VAPOR. The group depends on those beginnings, not on trees, names, titles, or boats.