used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
on a ship, train, plane or other vehicle
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
Alcatraz
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
attemptsnounUS /əˈtempts/
plural of “attempt” — earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
of the color intermediate between green and violet; having a color similar to that of a clear unclouded sky
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
bluff-bowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
boatmannounUS /ˈboʊtmən/
someone who drives or rides in a boat
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
clumsyadjectiveUS /ˈklʌmzi/
lacking grace in movement or posture
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
travel across or pass over
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
curlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɜːrli/
(of hair) having curls or waves
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
the cardinal number that is the sum of eleven and one
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
a group of animals (a herd or flock) moving together
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
plural of “ear” — the sense organ for hearing and equilibrium
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
embarkedverbUS /emˈbɑːrkt/
past form of “embark” — go on board
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/
the pleasure felt when having a good time
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
divisible by two
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
farewellsnounUS /ˌferˈwelz/
plural of “farewell” — an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
coins made of gold
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
handledadjectiveUS /ˈhændəld/
having a usually specified type of handle
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
“Johnny” was applied as a nickname for Confederate soldiers by the Federal soldiers in the American Civil War; “greyback” derived from their grey Confederate uniforms
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
set down according to a plan
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
monosyllables
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
on the contrary
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
sailboatnounUS /ˈseɪlboʊt/
a small sailing vessel; usually with a single mast
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
solidadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləd/
characterized by good substantial quality
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
move hurridly
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
having a supporting base
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading The breeze was strong, and drove even our rather clumsy craft at considerable speed.
swarthyadjectiveUS /ˈswɔːrði/
naturally having skin of a dark color
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
TalbotnounUS /ˈtælbət/
English inventor and pioneer in photography who published the first book illustrated with photographs (1800-1877)
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
UP-RIVER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading After a dozen attempts to get something more than monosyllables out of him, we gave it up, and settled ourselves to the solid enjoyment of a new adventure.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading He handled his boat well, but spoke not at all.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Our boatman was a short, swarthy man, with curly hair and gold rings in his ears.
YanknounUS /jæŋk/
an American who lives in the North (especially during the American Civil War)
From this reading UP-RIVER Two days later Yank, Johnny, and I embarked aboard a small bluff-bowed sailboat, waved our farewells to Talbot standing on the shore, and laid our course to cross the blue bay behind an island called Alcatraz.
