used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
accomplishment of an objective
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
bearsnounUS /berz/
plural of “bear” — massive plantigrade carnivorous or omnivorous mammals with long shaggy coats and strong claws
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
blanketsnounUS /ˈblæŋkəts/
plural of “blanket” — bedding that keeps a person warm in bed
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
the process of taking in and expelling air during breathing
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
third-person singular of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
coalnounUS /koʊl/
fossil fuel consisting of carbonized vegetable matter deposited in the Carboniferous period
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
consoledverbUS /kənˈsoʊld/
past form of “console” — give moral or emotional strength to
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
crumbnounUS /krʌm/
a very small quantity of something
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
dearly loved
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
being one more than seven
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
Ely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
flocknounUS /flɑːk/
a church congregation guided by a pastor
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
frostnounUS /frɔːst/
ice crystals forming a white deposit (especially on objects outside)
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
restless or short-tempered under delay or opposition
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
loafnounUS /loʊf/
a shaped mass of baked bread that is usually sliced before eating
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
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 “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
a characteristic (habitual or relatively temporary) state of feeling
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
outcastsnounUS /ˈaʊtkæsts/
plural of “outcast” — a person who is rejected (from society or home)
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
polaradjectiveUS /ˈpoʊlər/
having a pair of equal and opposite charges
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
past form of “remind” — put in the mind of someone
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
riggingnounUS /ˈrɪɡɪŋ/
gear consisting of ropes etc. supporting a ship's masts and sails
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
roadsnounUS /roʊdz/
a partly sheltered anchorage
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
scoopedverbUS /skuːpt/
past form of “scoop” — take out or up with or as if with a scoop
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
seamennounUS /ˈsiːmən/
plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
severelyadverbUS /səˈvɪrli/
to a severe or serious degree
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
used with I and we for the future, or to offer and suggest
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
sparrowsnounUS /ˈsperoʊz/
plural of “sparrow” — any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
orally recite the letters of or give the spelling of
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
a state of acute pain
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
create by training and teaching
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
trapnounUS /træp/
a device in which something (usually an animal) can be caught and penned
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading “Think of the polar bears,” said Anne under her breath, as her father rose from the table and scooped out the crumb of the loaf.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading “We may be in for a long spell of frost,” said Anne, but, reminded of his duties, her father was not in the mood to be consoled.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
in or at the place that
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading “Think of the poor, without the coal or the blankets to keep them warm; think of the seamen in the rigging of ships; think of the outcasts on the roads; think of the birds.”
the words that are spoken
From this reading “The trap ought to be here in ten minutes; I shall be back from Ely by the eight o’clock train,” he said, and with these words went to the front door where an impatient flock of sparrows was waiting his arrival.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “A frost brings more suffering than you or I can quite realize, my dear,” he said severely.
