used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
attestingverbUS /əˈtestɪŋ/
-ing form of “attest” — provide evidence for; stand as proof of; show by one's behavior, attitude, or external attributes
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
bendverbUS /bend/
form a curve
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
a youthful male person
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
boy-like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
showing who or what does the action
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
consistedverbUS /kənˈsɪstəd/
past form of “consist” — originate
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
inflected form of “cry” — utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
a feeling of excitement
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
exceptionallyadverbUS /ɪkˈsepʃənəli/
to an exceptional degree
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
the activity of exerting your muscles in various ways to keep fit
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
factornounUS /ˈfæktər/
anything that contributes causally to a result
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
fagverbUS /fæɡ/
act as a servant for older boys, in British public schools
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
having a surface without slope, tilt in which no part is higher or lower than another
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
having or given a form or shape
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
frolicksome
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
greater in size or importance or degree
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
the land on which real estate is located
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
engage in
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
overdoneadjectiveUS /ˈoʊvərˈdʌn/
represented as greater than is true or reasonable
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
select carefully from a group
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
placidadjectiveUS /ˈplæsəd/
(of a body of water) free from disturbance by heavy waves
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
similar things placed in order or happening one after another
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
skimverbUS /skɪm/
travel on the surface of water
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
skippingverbUS /ˈskɪpɪŋ/
inflected form of “skip” — bypass
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
skipsnounUS /skɪps/
plural of “skip” — a gait in which steps and hops alternate
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
spiedverbUS /spaɪd/
inflected form of “spy” — catch sight of
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
the vital principle or animating force within living things
From this reading The other boy, a short distance behind him, seeing his opportunity, cried out in a frolicksome spirit:
a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
stoopedadjectiveUS /stuːpt/
having the back and shoulders rounded; not erect
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
suitableadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtəbəl/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
temptingadjectiveUS /ˈtemptɪŋ/
highly attractive and able to arouse hope or desire
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/
past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
throwernounUS /ˈθroʊər/
a person who twists silk or rayon filaments into a thread or yarn
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
-ing form of “throw” — propel through the air
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
precisely as stated
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading The exercise consisted in throwing a stone so as to make it skim along the surface of the water in a series of long skips, the greater number of skips attesting the skill of the thrower.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
used to ask for information about something
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
at the time that
From this reading They had been at it for some time and, boy-like, in their enthusiasm, had overdone it, and consequently were beginning to fag, when one of them suddenly spied an exceptionally smooth, round flat stone, suitable for the purpose, and stooped to pick it up.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The surface of the river was very smooth and placid, which was a factor in tempting the boys to the exercise.
WillamettenounUS /wəˈlæmət/
a river in western Oregon that flows north into the Columbia River near Portland
From this reading On a low point of land formed by a bend in the Willamette, a couple of boys were playing at what is termed "skipping."
