Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
AndconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
appeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
Beacon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
black
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
Boston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
bronze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
burning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
calm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
clusters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
cold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
Common
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
Company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
court
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
cut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
diagonally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
distantadjectiveUS /ˈdɪstənt/
not friendly or close
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
drowsily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
eleven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
emeraldnounUS /ˈemərəld/
a bright green precious stone
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
foliage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
footnounUS /foot/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
footfall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
gaslights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
gilded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
HerenounUS /here/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
Houghton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
hung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
illuminated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
Indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
infected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
June
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
leads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
leaf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
leaves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
mall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
massive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
Mifflin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
moon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
narrow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
neighboring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
New
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
Old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
passing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
pavement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
prevailing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
rear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
row
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
screens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
sensitive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
shiver
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
sombre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
sounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
sounding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
South
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
square
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
stars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
steadily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
stepped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
stirred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
Street
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
stretching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
strucknounUS /struck/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
swept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
swift
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
tenderest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
Theatre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
tranquil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
Tremont
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Indeed, as I set foot on the Tremont Street mall, I heard the Old South drowsily sounding the hour.
turning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading However, not a leaf stirred on the Common; the foliage hung black and massive, as if cut in bronze; even the gaslights appeared to be infected by the prevailing calm, burning steadily behind their glass screens and turning the neighboring leaves into the tenderest emerald.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
vestibule
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
West
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Here and there, in the sombre row of houses stretching along Beacon Street, an illuminated window gilded a few square feet of darkness; and now and then a footfall sounded on a distant pavement.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
York
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boston And New York Houghton Mifflin Company It was close upon eleven o'clock when I stepped out of the rear vestibule of the Boston Theatre, and, passing through the narrow court that leads to West Street, struck across the Common diagonally.
zenith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a tranquil June night, with no moon, but clusters of sensitive stars that seemed to shiver with cold as the wind swept by them; for perhaps there was a swift current of air up there in the zenith.
