Poople #197 Answer: OWNS to POOP
February 27, 2026 · Hard · 9 moves
Full solution
The shortest path from OWNS to POOP takes 9 moves.
Shortest path
- Step 1OWNSAWNS1st letter, O to A
- Step 2AWNSAWLS3rd letter, N to L
- Step 3AWLSAILS2nd letter, W to I
- Step 4AILSAIDS3rd letter, L to D
- Step 5AIDSBIDS1st letter, A to B
- Step 6BIDSBODS2nd letter, I to O
- Step 7BODSBOOS3rd letter, D to O
- Step 8BOOSBOOP4th letter, S to P
- Step 9BOOPPOOP1st letter, B to P
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About this puzzle
Par 9 of 11. Rated Hard.
15 distinct shortest path(s) from OWNS to POOP.
OWNS connects to 3 other valid words.
The shortest routes split after move 1 and never agree again before POOP.
Harder than #196 (WEST, par 5) by 4 move(s). #196 WEST
Harder than #198 (ARMS, par 7) by 2 move(s). #198 ARMS
How the routes branch
Right after OWNS, 3 different words keep the route just as short: AWNS, OWES, OWLS. None of them rejoin the others before POOP.
This ladder to POOP is a real nail-biter, ending with a surprising "boop." The "awls" to "aids" jump is a classic Poople switcheroo.
Bridge words
- OWNS(verb)
- has something as one's own; possesses
- AWNS(noun)
- bristle-like appendages found on the flowering parts of some grasses and cereals
- AWLS(noun)
- small pointed tools used for piercing holes, especially in leather or wood
- AILS(verb)
- troubles or afflicts in a way that causes pain or discomfort
- AIDS(noun)
- Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, a disease that severely weakens the immune system
- BIDS(verb)
- offers to pay a specific price for something, especially at an auction
- BODS(noun)
- people or individuals, often used informally or humorously
- BOOS(noun)
- Shouts of disapproval made by a crowd.
- BOOP(noun)
- A gentle playful tap, especially on the nose.
First moves from OWNS
OWNS has 3 legal first moves. 3 of them stay on a shortest path to POOP.
Stays on the shortest path: 8 moves left to POOP.
Stuck on a different word?
Enter your current 4-letter word for the shortest path to POOP.
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Play todayFAQ
What is the Poople #197 answer?
The #197 start word is OWNS. One shortest path to POOP takes 9 moves: OWNS -> AWNS -> AWLS -> AILS -> AIDS -> BIDS -> BODS -> BOOS -> BOOP -> POOP.
Why does the word OWNS have so few first moves?
The word OWNS has only 3 valid neighbors, which is a very small number for a four-letter word in Poople. These limited options are AWNS, OWES, and OWLS, making the start of this puzzle quite constrained.
Is there a trick to getting from OWNS to POOP quickly?
The fastest solutions for OWNS to POOP are 9 moves long, which is the par for this puzzle. There are multiple paths that achieve this, such as OWNS to OWLS to OWLY to OILY, or OWNS to OWES to OPES to OPTS.
What is the most common first move from OWNS in the shortest solutions?
The most common first move from OWNS in the shortest solutions is OWLS. Many of the 9-move paths begin with OWNS to OWLS, then branch out through words like OILS or AWLS.
Are there any interesting word connections in this puzzle?
Yes, there are several interesting connections, such as the path that goes from AWLS to AILS to AIDS. Another notable sequence is the one that ends with BOBS to BOOS to BOOP, which is a playful way to reach the target word.