diff --git a/docs/changelog.rst b/docs/changelog.rst
index b11ca32bc..8b9611344 100644
--- a/docs/changelog.rst
+++ b/docs/changelog.rst
@@ -10,6 +10,9 @@ To update |kitty|, :doc:`follow the instructions <binary>`.
 - Fix a regression in 0.17 that broke drawing of borders with non-minimal
   borders (:iss:`2474`)
 
+- hints kitten: Allow copying to primary selection as well as clipboard
+  (:pull:`2487`)
+
 - Add a new mappable action ``close_other_windows_in_tab`` to close all but the
   active window (:iss:`2484`)
 
diff --git a/kittens/hints/main.py b/kittens/hints/main.py
index d4d36e6b8..e3e3e3a69 100644
--- a/kittens/hints/main.py
+++ b/kittens/hints/main.py
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ from kitty.key_encoding import (
     KeyEvent, backspace_key, enter_key, key_defs as K
 )
 from kitty.typing import BossType, KittyCommonOpts
-from kitty.utils import ScreenSize, screen_size_function
+from kitty.utils import ScreenSize, screen_size_function, set_primary_selection
 
 from ..tui.handler import Handler, result_handler
 from ..tui.loop import Loop
@@ -413,9 +413,11 @@ OPTIONS = r'''
 type=list
 What program to use to open matched text. Defaults to the default open program
 for the operating system. Use a value of :file:`-` to paste the match into the
-terminal window instead. A value of :file:`@` will copy the match to the clipboard.
-A value of :file:`default` will run the default open program. Can be specified
-multiple times to run multiple programs.
+terminal window instead. A value of :file:`@` will copy the match to the
+clipboard. A value of :file:`*` will copy the match to the primary selection
+(on systems that support primary selections). A value of :file:`default` will
+run the default open program. Can be specified multiple times to run multiple
+programs.
 
 
 --type
@@ -629,6 +631,8 @@ def handle_result(args: List[str], data: Dict[str, Any], target_window_id: int,
                 w.paste(joined_text())
         elif program == '@':
             set_clipboard_string(joined_text())
+        elif program == '*':
+            set_primary_selection(joined_text())
         else:
             cwd = None
             w = boss.window_id_map.get(target_window_id)