used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
the state of being absent
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
arrangeverbUS /ərˈeɪndʒ/
put into a proper or systematic order
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
attractingverbUS /əˈtræktɪŋ/
-ing form of “attract” — direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
English botanist who accompanied Captain Cook on his first voyage to the Pacific Ocean (1743-1820)
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
BonnieadjectiveUS /ˈbɑːni/
very pleasing to the eye
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
codenounUS /koʊd/
a set of rules or principles or laws (especially written ones)
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
cornetnounUS /kɔːrˈnet/
a brass musical instrument with a brilliant tone; has a narrow tube and a flared bell and is played by means of valves
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
criernounUS /ˈkraɪər/
a person who weeps
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
effectiveadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪv/
producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
something that happens at a given place and time
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
the act of departing
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
half-an-hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
come to pass
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
headedadjectiveUS /ˈhedəd/
having a heading or course in a certain direction
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
a search for knowledge
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
resulting from one's intentions
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
IrelandnounUS /ˈaɪərlənd/
a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
Kerrigan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
LochnounUS /lɑːk/
a long narrow inlet of the sea in Scotland (especially when it is nearly landlocked)
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
Lomond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
on one occasion
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
paradedverbUS /pərˈeɪdɪd/
past form of “parade” — walk ostentatiously
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
ParliamentnounUS /ˈpɑːrləmənt/
a legislative assembly in certain countries
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
patrioticadjectiveUS /ˌpeɪtriˈɑːtɪk/
inspired by love for your country
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
remindverbUS /riˈmaɪnd/
put in the mind of someone
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
salariesnounUS /ˈsæləriz/
plural of “salary” — something that remunerates
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
except for; apart from
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
past form of “serve” — serve a purpose, role, or function
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
feeling a need to see others suffer
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
plural of “street” — a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
express a supposition
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
express in words
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
a more or less definite period of time now or previously present
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This served to remind the people that something of an interesting and patriotic kind was going to happen.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
tunesnounUS /tuːnz/
plural of “tune” — a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
two times
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
verbaladjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrbəl/
communicated in the form of words
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
precisely as stated
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
Wexford
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It played “The Bonnie, Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond” three times over, “The Boys of Wexford” twice, and “God Save Ireland” four times.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
which person or people
From this reading The public meeting was a very great success, in spite of the absence of the Members of Parliament, who certainly gave poor value for their salaries.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A band is much more effective in attracting public attention than a town crier, and it ought, one may suppose, to arrange a kind of code of tunes by means of which people would be able to tell at once without verbal inquiry what sort of event was intended.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The town band, headed by young Kerrigan, who played the cornet, paraded the streets for half-an-hour before the meeting.
