used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
(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 All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
in addition
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
banner-bearer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
in addition to; as well as
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
Birdland
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
blue-coal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
BLUEBIRDnounUS /ˈbluːbɜːrd/
fruit-eating mostly brilliant blue songbird of the East Indies
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
an orange of low brightness and saturation
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
a visual attribute of things that results from the light they emit or transmit or reflect
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
a social unit living together
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
feathersnounUS /ˈfeðərz/
plural of “feather” — the light horny waterproof structure forming the external covering of birds
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
flits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
floatsnounUS /floʊts/
plural of “float” — the time interval between the deposit of a check in a bank and its payment
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
plural of “flower” — a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
a strong positive emotion of regard and affection
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
loyallyadverbUS /ˈlɔɪəli/
with loyalty; in a loyal manner
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
a wrong action attributable to bad judgment or ignorance or inattention
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
orchardsnounUS /ˈɔːrtʃərdz/
plural of “orchard” — garden consisting of a small cultivated wood without undergrowth
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
by chance
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
(usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
shinesnounUS /ʃaɪnz/
plural of “shine” — the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
SILVER-TONGUEDadjective
expressing yourself readily, clearly, effectively
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
the season of growth
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
telegraphnounUS /ˈteləɡræf/
apparatus used to communicate at a distance over a wire (usually in Morse code)
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
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 He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
tricoloradjective
having or involving three colors
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
consistent with fact or reality; not false
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
accept gladly
From this reading All sorts and conditions of people love and respect the Bluebird; all welcome him to their gardens and orchards.
at the time that
From this reading "To be sure, his breast is perhaps more brown than red, but when the spring sun shines on his new feathers, as he flits to and fro, it is quite bright enough to be called red.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He is 'true blue,' which is as rare a color among birds its it is among flowers.
a Caucasian
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
wiresnounUS /ˈwaɪərz/
plural of “wire” — ligament made of metal and used to fasten things or make cages or fences etc
From this reading He is the banner-bearer of Birdland also, and loyally floats the tricolor from our trees and telegraph wires; for, besides being blue, is he not also red and white?"
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading A SILVER-TONGUED FAMILY THE BLUEBIRD "It will be difficult for you to mistake this little blue-coal for any other bird.
