Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
advantage
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From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
AFTERprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
air
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From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
apace
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From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
April
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From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Aunt
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From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
baby
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From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
balmy
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From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
Barbara
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Barbara's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
bed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Billy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
Billy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
borders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
bore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Boston
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Buren
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
came
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From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
capricious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
carpets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
chambers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Chicopee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
cleaned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
cleaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
clergyman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
cloud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
commencing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
coquette
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From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
crocuses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
daffodils
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
Dr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
envy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
Ethelyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
fallen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
fly-speck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
glossy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
heads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
hiding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
lestconjunctionUS /lest/
in order that something should not happen
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
lettuce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
luckless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
Melinda's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
moth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
Mrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
neighbors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
Nettie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
onions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
paint
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
peas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
perchance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
placid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
reign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
renovated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
scrubbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
showed
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From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
sky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
smiles
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From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
some
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From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
sowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
spoiledadjectiveUS /spɔɪld/
given too much comfort or indulgence
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
StillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
storm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
Sunday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
sunshine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
terror
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Still they must be renovated, and cleaned, and scrubbed, lest some luckless moth were hiding there, or some fly-speck perchance had fallen upon the glossy paint.
Thompson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
token
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
Uncle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
used
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
Van
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
WAITING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
warm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
warmth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
weather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
whip
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Taking advantage of the warmth and the sunshine, and Uncle Billy's being there to whip her carpets, Aunt Barbara even began her house cleaning, commencing at the chambers first--the rooms which since the last "reign of terror," had only been used when a clergyman spent Sunday there, and when Mrs. Dr. Van Buren was up for a few days from Boston, with Nettie and the new girl baby, which, like Melinda's, bore the name of Ethelyn.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The first days of April were warm, and balmy, and placid, without a cloud upon the sky or a token of storm in the air.
woman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The crocuses and daffodils showed their heads in the little borders by Aunt Barbara's door, and Uncle Billy Thompson sowed the good woman a bed of lettuce, and peas, and onions, which came up apace, and were the envy of the neighbors.
YEARS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AFTER YEARS OF WAITING The weather in Chicopee that spring was as capricious as the smiles of the most spoiled coquette could ever be.
