used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
(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 My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
in addition
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
cantered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
coltsnounUS /koʊlts/
plural of “colt” — a young male horse under the age of four
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
utter a sudden loud cry
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
plural of “dog” — a member of the genus Canis (probably descended from the common wolf) that has been domesticated by man since prehistoric times; occurs in many breeds
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
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 It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
feedingnounUS /ˈfiːdɪŋ/
the act of consuming food
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
United States comedian and film actor (1880-1946)
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
past form of “follow” — to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
Not remembered; lapsed from memory.
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
frostnounUS /frɔːst/
ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
hedgeverbUS /hedʒ/
avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
houndsnounUS /haʊndz/
plural of “hound” — any of several breeds of dog used for hunting typically having large drooping ears
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
move something or somebody to a lower position
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
master'snounUS /ˈmæstərz/
possessive form of “master” — an artist of consummate skill
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
meadowsnounUS /ˈmedoʊz/
plural of “meadow” — a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
become covered with mist
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
oldestadjectiveUS /ˈoʊldəst/
superlative of “old” — (used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
prickedverbUS /prɪkt/
past form of “prick” — make a small hole into, as with a needle or a thorn
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
located or moved above the surround or above the normal position
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
the sport of sitting on the back of a horse while controlling its movements
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
past form of “sound” — appear in a certain way
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
the season of growth
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
having a supporting base
From this reading My mother and an old riding horse of our master's were also standing near, and seemed to know all about it.
not in physical motion
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
in or at that place or location
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
the topmost one of two
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
at the time that
From this reading I and the other colts were feeding at the lower part of the field when we heard what sounded like the cry of dogs.
in or at the place that
From this reading The oldest of the colts raised his head, pricked his ears, and said, "There are the hounds!" and cantered off, followed by the rest of us, to the upper part of the field, where we could look over the hedge and see several fields beyond.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading It was early in the spring; there had been a little frost in the night, and a light mist still hung over the woods and meadows.
a late time of life
From this reading Before I was two years old a circumstance happened which I have never forgotten.
