used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
(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 CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading "I wonder when Miss Dawson's Christmas-box will arrive, Mavis."
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
bread-crumbs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
Christmas-box
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I wonder when Miss Dawson's Christmas-box will arrive, Mavis."
cordnounUS /kɔːrd/
a line made of twisted fibers or threads
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
Dawson'snounUS /ˈdɔːsənz/
possessive form of “dawson” — a town in northwestern Canada in the Yukon on the Yukon River; a boom town around 1900 when gold was discovered in the Klondike
From this reading "I wonder when Miss Dawson's Christmas-box will arrive, Mavis."
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
inflected form of “drop” — let fall to the ground
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
regard something as probable or likely
From this reading "Soon, I expect.
feedingnounUS /ˈfiːdɪŋ/
the act of consuming food
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
with resolute determination
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
a square piece of cloth used for wiping the eyes or nose or as a costume accessory
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
I'm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
MavisnounUS /ˈmeɪvɪs/
common Old World thrush noted for its song
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
parcelnounUS /ˈpɑːrsəl/
a wrapped container
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
parlournounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
presentsnounUS /ˈprezənts/
plural of “present” — the period of time that is happening now; any continuous stretch of time including the moment of speech
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
sachetnounUS /sæˈʃeɪ/
a small soft bag containing perfumed powder; used to perfume items in a drawer or chest
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
filled with satisfaction
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
sealing-wax
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
past form of “secure” — get by special effort
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
in the near future
From this reading "Soon, I expect.
splashesnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪz/
plural of “splash” — the sound like water splashing
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
having a supporting base
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
in or at that place or location
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
Tompkins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
the quality of a person's voice
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
at the time that
From this reading "I wonder when Miss Dawson's Christmas-box will arrive, Mavis."
which person or people
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "I do hope Miss Tompkins will like the handkerchief sachet I'm sending her."
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading "I should think she will be sure to like it," said Rose, who was standing looking out of the parlour window at the birds she had been feeding with bread-crumbs.
in the company of; together with
From this reading CHRISTMAS TIME "THERE, now I have all my presents ready," Mavis declared in a satisfied tone, one morning a few days before Christmas, as she dropped great splashes of red sealing-wax on the small parcel she had already secured firmly with cord.
the feeling aroused by something strange and surprising
From this reading "I wonder when Miss Dawson's Christmas-box will arrive, Mavis."
