used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
accompanimentnounUS /əˈkʌmpnɪmənt/
an event or situation that happens at the same time as or in connection with another
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
(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 The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
declared publicly; made widely known
From this reading "It's a man," announced Mabel.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
Auntynoun
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
Bettie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
cakenounUS /keɪk/
a block of solid substance (such as soap or wax)
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
carpet-sweeper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
a small house with a single story
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
doorbellnounUS /ˈdɔːrbel/
a push button at an outer door that gives a ringing or buzzing signal when pushed
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
dustingverbUS /ˈdʌstɪŋ/
-ing form of “dust” — remove the dust from
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
furnishings that make a room or other area ready for occupancy
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
It's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It's a man," announced Mabel.
Jane's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
a coarse durable twill-weave cotton fabric
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
JuniornounUS /ˈdʒuːnjər/
term of address for a disrespectful and annoying male
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
Mabel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading "It's a man," announced Mabel.
MapesverbUS /meɪps/
third-person singular of “map” — make a map of; show or establish the features of details of
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
Marjory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
Marjory's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
materialsnounUS /məˈtɪriəlz/
plural of “material” — the tangible substance that goes into the makeup of a physical object
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
noisilyadverbUS /ˈnɔɪzəli/
with much noise or loud and unpleasant sound
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
rugnounUS /rʌɡ/
floor covering consisting of a piece of thick heavy fabric (usually with nap or pile)
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
in an aggressive manner
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
sideboardnoun
a removable board fitted on the side of a wagon to increase its capacity
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
the act of singing vocal music
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
spotsnounUS /spɑːts/
spots before the eyes caused by opaque cell fragments in the vitreous humor and lens
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
surprisingadjectiveUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋ/
causing surprise or wonder or amazement
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Mrs. Mapes had given them materials for a simple cake and Jean and Bettie were in the kitchen making it.
Having little thickness or extent.
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
tunenounUS /tuːn/
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
unnecessaryadjectiveUS /ənˈnesəseri/
not necessary
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
WardennounUS /ˈwɔːr.dən/
The chief official or governor in charge of a prison institution.
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The Junior Warden By nine o'clock the next morning, the girls were all at the cottage as usual.
at the time that
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
whistlingnounUS /ˈwɪslɪŋ/
the sound made by something moving rapidly or by steam coming out of a small aperture
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading When the doorbell rang suddenly and sharply, Marjory's tune stopped short, high in air, and Mabel ran to the window.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Marjory, singing as she worked, was running her Aunty Jane's carpet-sweeper noisily over the parlor rug, while Mabel, whistling an accompaniment to Marjory's song, was dusting the sideboard; at all times the cottage furniture received so much unnecessary dusting that it would not have been at all surprising if it had worn thin in spots.
