used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
a small piece or quantity of something
From this reading It is a bit of Rotterdam that does not change.
plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
Boompjees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
canalnounUS /kəˈnæl/
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading It is a bit of Rotterdam that does not change.
free from dirt or impurities; or having clean habits
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
commercenounUS /ˈkɑːmərs/
transactions (sales and purchases) having the objective of supplying commodities (goods and services)
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
decayingverbUS /dɪˈkeɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “decay” — lose a stored charge, magnetic flux, or current
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
dirtyadjectiveUS /ˈdɜːrti/
soiled or likely to soil with dirt or grime
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is a bit of Rotterdam that does not change.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
frequentedverbUS /ˈfriːkwəntɪd/
past form of “frequent” — do one's shopping at; do business with; be a customer or client of
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
gablesnounUS /ˈɡeɪbəlz/
plural of “gable” — the vertical triangular wall between the sloping ends of gable roof
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
overly eager speed (and possible carelessness)
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
loftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/
of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
marvellouslyadverb
(used as an intensifier) extremely well
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
mastsnounUS /mæsts/
plural of “mast” — a vertical spar for supporting sails
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
Mediaevaladjective
relating to or belonging to the Middle Ages
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
characteristic of or existing by virtue of geographic origin
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
noisyadjectiveUS /ˈnɔɪzi/
full of or characterized by loud and nonmusical sounds
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It is a bit of Rotterdam that does not change.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
old-worldadjective
characteristic of former times especially in Europe
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
and nothing more
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
out-of-the-wayadjective
exceptional, unusual, or remarkable
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
overhangnounUS /ˈoʊvərhæŋ/
projection that extends beyond or hangs over something else
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
the local environment
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
picturesqueadjectiveUS /ˈpɪktʃərəsk/
suggesting or suitable for a picture; pretty as a picture
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
pierces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
having a point
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
quaintadjectiveUS /kweɪnt/
strange in an interesting or pleasing way
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
quaysnounUS /kiːz/
plural of “quay” — wharf usually built parallel to the shoreline
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
realiseverbUS /ˈriːəlaɪz/
earn on some commercial or business transaction; earn as salary or wages
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
RotterdamnounUS /ˈrɑːtərdæm/
the 2nd largest city in the Netherlands; located in the western Netherlands near the North Sea
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
sluggishadjectiveUS /ˈslʌɡɪʃ/
moving slowly
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
terminatingverbUS /ˈtɜːrməneɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “terminate” — bring to an end or halt
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A narrow canal that pierces an out-of-the-way corner of old Rotterdam.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
varnishedadjectiveUS /ˈvɑːrnɪʃt/
having a coating of stain or varnish
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
vesselsnounUS /ˈvesəlz/
plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
United States actress and singer (1896-1977)
From this reading Mediaeval houses--narrow, lofty, terminating in quaint, pointed gables--overhang the sluggish waters.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading It is only frequented by the picturesque native canal boats, with their lofty masts and varnished oak sides, so marvellously clean, for all their dirty work.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading In this quiet spot, with its old-world, decaying look, it is difficult to realise that close at hand are the busy quays of the Boompjees, crowded with vessels from all parts of the world, noisy with the haste of modern commerce.
