used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
tending to become more severe or wider in scope
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
ArnoldnounUS /ˈɑːrnəld/
English poet and literary critic (1822-1888)
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
athletenounUS /ˈæθliːt/
a person trained to compete in sports
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
athleticadjectiveUS /æθˈletɪk/
relating to or befitting athletics or athletes
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
badgenounUS /bædʒ/
an emblem (a small piece of plastic or cloth or metal) that signifies your status (rank or membership or affiliation etc.)
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
BeavernounUS /ˈbiːvər/
the soft brown fur of the beaver
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
for the reason that
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
confessedverbUS /kənˈfest/
past form of “confess” — confess to a punishable or reprehensible deed, usually under pressure
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
dependsverbUS /dɪˈpendz/
third-person singular of “depend” — be contingent upon (something that is elided)
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
eighteenadjectiveUS /eɪˈtiːn/
being one more than seventeen
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
faddistnoun
a person who subscribes to a variety of fads
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
gamesnounUS /ɡeɪmz/
plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
a quick look
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
gymnasiumnounUS /dʒɪmˈneɪziəm/
a school for students intermediate between elementary school and college; usually grades 9 to 12
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
annoy continually or chronically
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
HAYSTACKnounUS /ˈheɪstæk/
a stack of hay
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
a vague idea in which some confidence is placed
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
indescribableadjectiveUS /ˌɪndɪˈskraɪbəbəl/
defying expression or description
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
a person who rules or guides or inspires others
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
litheadjectiveUS /laɪð/
gracefully thin and bending and moving with ease
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
engage in
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
notedadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊtəd/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
not one thing; not anything
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
Oakwood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
out-of-dooradjective
located, suited for, or taking place in the open air
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
patrolnounUS /pəˈtroʊl/
a detachment used for security or reconnaissance
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
on the contrary
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
scarfnounUS /skɑːrf/
a garment worn around the head or neck or shoulders for warmth or decoration
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
not often
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
and nothing more
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
solelyadverbUS /ˈsoʊəli/
without any others being included or involved
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition
From this reading There was nothing of the athletic faddist about him, and it was said by some of the Oakwood boys that he was not much of a sport.
sportingadjectiveUS /ˈspɔːrtɪŋ/
exhibiting or calling for sportsmanship or fair play
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
a special situation
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
trainingnounUS /ˈtreɪnɪŋ/
activity leading to skilled behavior
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Of course, that depends on what you call sporting, but it must be confessed that he took but slight interest in games—as such.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading He was tall, lithe, and active, and, without being exactly an athlete, he gave the impression of being athletic.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There was a certain indescribable something in his appearance which suggested the out-of-door life rather than a gymnasium training, and it is a fact that he seldom did a thing simply and solely because it would make him strong.
a late time of life
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading A GLIMPSE AT THE HAYSTACK Harry Arnold was eighteen years old, and, as you may have noted from the position of his badge and the color of his scarf, he was leader of the Beaver patrol.
