used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
AnnalsnounUS /ˈænəlz/
reports of the work of a society or learned body etc
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
anniversarynounUS /ˌænəˈvɜːrsəri/
the date on which an event occurred in some previous year (or the celebration of it)
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
awaitingverbUS /əˈweɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “await” — look forward to the probable occurrence of
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
Baker'snounUS /ˈbeɪkərz/
possessive form of “baker” — someone who bakes commercially
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
birthdaynounUS /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
BlankadjectiveUS /blæŋk/
(of a surface) not written or printed on
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
a youthful male person
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
countingnounUS /ˈkaʊntɪŋ/
the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
esteemnounUS /əˈstiːm/
the condition of being honored (esteemed or respected or well regarded)
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
set up or found
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
someone who has exceptional intellectual ability and originality
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
George'snounUS /ˈdʒɔːrdʒəz/
possessive form of “george” — Christian martyr; patron saint of England; hero of the legend of Saint George and the Dragon in which he slew a dragon and saved a princess (?-303)
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
holidaynounUS /ˈhɑːlədeɪ/
leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
IndustrynounUS /ˈɪndəstri/
the people or companies engaged in a particular kind of commercial enterprise
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
joyfuladjectiveUS /ˈdʒɔɪfəl/
full of or producing joy
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
informal terms for a mother
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
May-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
NEWFOUNDLANDnounUS /ˈnuːfəndlənd/
a breed of very large heavy dogs with a thick coarse usually black coat; highly intelligent dogs and vigorous swimmers; developed in Newfoundland
From this reading OR TALES OF NEWFOUNDLAND.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading OR TALES OF NEWFOUNDLAND.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading OR TALES OF NEWFOUNDLAND.
one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
an informal term for a father; probably derived from baby talk
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
parlournounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
Parsonage-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
experiencing or manifesting pleasure
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
past form of “promise” — make a promise or commitment
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
use up a period of time in a specific way
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
carry out
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
plural of “tale” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading OR TALES OF NEWFOUNDLAND.
express in words
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
interact in a certain way
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
at the time that
From this reading _Author of “Annals of Industry and Genius,” etc. etc._ [Blank Page] It was a beautiful May-day morning when George Green rose at an early hour; for it was his birthday, and he had not been able to sleep so long as usual, for counting of the joyful anniversary.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
which person or people
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
in the company of; together with
From this reading The afternoon visit was evidently the great treat in George’s esteem; and pleased indeed did he look, as he started with his mother for the Parsonage-house in which his aunt lived.
a late time of life
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
an affirmative
From this reading “Yes, papa; and I am to have a whole holiday, and mamma has promised to take me to spend the afternoon at Aunt Baker’s, and--but I must not tell you that now, for it is a secret!”
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Ten years old, are you indeed, my boy?” said his father, who found Master George eagerly awaiting him in the breakfast parlour.
