The word "hows" in the phrase "___ life?" is a shortened form of the word "how is." So, the phrase "___ life?" is asking about someone's well-being or state of existence. For example, "How's life?" could mean "How is your life going?" or "How are things in your life?"
Note: The provided meaning of the answer is for the latest New York Times crossword puzzle clue: "___ life?". Explanations are generated by AI and may be inaccurate.