(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading So, careful be on Hallowe’en, Whenever you come out; So, careful be on Hallowe’en, The witches are about!
to or in a foreign country
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
in the past
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
(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 On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Hist! be still!
birthdaynounUS /ˈbɜːrθdeɪ/
an anniversary of the day on which a person was born (or the celebration of it)
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
bonfiresnounUS /ˈbɑːnfaɪərz/
plural of “bonfire” — a large outdoor fire that is lighted as a signal or in celebration
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
make by combining materials and parts
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
exercising caution or showing care or attention
From this reading So, careful be on Hallowe’en, Whenever you come out; So, careful be on Hallowe’en, The witches are about!
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading So, careful be on Hallowe’en, Whenever you come out; So, careful be on Hallowe’en, The witches are about!
converseverbUS /ˈkɑːnvərs/
carry on a conversation
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
elvesnounUS /elvz/
an acronym for emissions of light and very low frequency perturbations due to electromagnetic pulse sources
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
entertainverbUS /ˌentərˈteɪn/
provide entertainment for
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
divisible by two
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
morally objectionable behavior
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
fairiesnounUS /ˈferiz/
plural of “fairy” — a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
the petals or sepals of a flower that bend downward (especially the outer perianth of an iris)
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/
plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
gamesnounUS /ɡeɪmz/
plural of “game” — a contest with rules to determine a winner
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
plural of “go” — a time period for working (after which you will be relieved by someone else)
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
Hallowe'ennounUS /ˌhæləˈwiːn/
the evening before All Saints' Day; often devoted to pranks played by young people
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
third-person singular of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
Hist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hist! be still!
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
ten 10s
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading So, careful be on Hallowe’en, Whenever you come out; So, careful be on Hallowe’en, The witches are about!
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
performedverbUS /pərˈfɔːrmd/
past form of “perform” — carry out or perform an action
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
marked by correspondence or resemblance
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
not in physical motion
From this reading Hist! be still!
stuntsnounUS /stʌnts/
plural of “stunt” — a difficult or unusual or dangerous feat; usually done to gain attention
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
superstitionnounUS /ˌsuːpərˈstɪʃən/
an irrational belief arising from ignorance or fear
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
plural of “ti” — a light strong grey lustrous corrosion-resistant metallic element used in strong lightweight alloys (as for airplane parts); the main sources are rutile and ilmenite
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
troopnounUS /truːp/
a group of soldiers
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
at the time that
From this reading ’tis Hallowe’en, When fairies troop across the green!
at any time that; every time that
From this reading So, careful be on Hallowe’en, Whenever you come out; So, careful be on Hallowe’en, The witches are about!
witchesnounUS /ˈwɪtʃəz/
plural of “witch” — a female sorcerer or magician
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
in the company of; together with
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
a late time of life
From this reading On Hallowe’en when elves and witches are abroad, we find it the custom over all the world to build bonfires, to keep off evil spirits; and this is the night of all nights to entertain friends with stunts similar to those performed two hundred years ago.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading On this night fortunes are told, games are played, and if it so happens that your birthday falls on this night, you may even be able to hold converse with fairies—so goes the ancient superstition!
