used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
acornsnounUS /ˈeɪkɔːrnz/
plural of “acorn” — fruit of the oak tree: a smooth thin-walled nut in a woody cup-shaped base
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
arm-lengths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
big-eyed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
a seat for one person, with a support for the back
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
chasednounUS /tʃeɪst/
a person who is being chased
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
chinquapins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
artifact made by weaving or felting or knitting or crocheting natural or synthetic fibers
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
the act of consuming food
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
having an (over)abundance of flesh
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
firm-holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
fittingadjectiveUS /ˈfɪtɪŋ/
in harmony with the spirit of particular persons or occasion
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
the solid part of the earth's surface
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
jarredverbUS /dʒɑːrd/
inflected form of “jar” — be incompatible; be or come into conflict
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
live-oak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
less than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
MondaynounUS /ˈmʌndi/
the second day of the week; the first working day
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
needlenounUS /ˈniːdəl/
the leaf of a conifer
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
ripeadjectiveUS /raɪp/
fully developed or matured and ready to be eaten or used
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
scrapsnounUS /skræps/
food that is discarded (as from a kitchen)
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
sewingnounUS /ˈsoʊɪŋ/
joining or attaching by stitches
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
ShowersnounUS /ˈʃaʊərz/
plural of “shower” — a plumbing fixture that sprays water over you
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
spatteredadjectiveUS /ˈspætərd/
covered with bright patches (often used in combination)
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
squaresnounUS /skwerz/
plural of “square” — (geometry) a plane rectangle with four equal sides and four right angles; a four-sided regular polygon
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
SquirrelsnounUS /ˈskwɜːrəlz/
plural of “squirrel” — a kind of arboreal rodent having a long bushy tail
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
any maneuver made as part of progress toward a goal
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
stitchesnounUS /ˈstɪtʃɪz/
plural of “stitch” — a link or loop or knot made by an implement in knitting, crocheting, embroidery, or sewing
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
SueverbUS /suː/
institute legal proceedings against; file a suit against
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
the rays of the sun
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Showers of ripe acorns jarred down by their playing spattered over the ground.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
threadverbUS /θred/
to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
threadingverbUS /ˈθredɪŋ/
-ing form of “thread” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Those acorns were sweet as chinquapins, and the squirrels were fat with eating so many.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
in the company of; together with
From this reading * * * * * Bright and early Monday morning, Big Sue began fitting together small, carefully cut scraps of cloth, sewing them into squares with strong ball thread.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Breeze sat on the step in the pleasant sunshine threading her big-eyed needle as fast as it worked up arm-lengths of thread into firm-holding stitches, while she sat in a low chair on the porch.
a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading Squirrels chased one another across the yard, and up into the live-oak trees.
