adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
Aldivalloch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He began a tolerable version of "Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch."
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
appreciativelyadverbUS /əˈpriːʃieɪtɪvli/
with appreciation; in a grateful manner
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading He began a tolerable version of "Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch."
besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/
next to; at the side of
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
BeyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
birchnounUS /bɜːrtʃ/
hard close-grained wood of any of various birch trees; used especially in furniture and interior finishes and plywood
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
blackbirdnounUS /ˈblækbərd/
any bird of the family Icteridae whose male is black or predominantly black
From this reading A blackbird whistled from a thorn-bush, and Mr. McCunn was inspired to follow its example.
buddingnounUS /ˈbʌdɪŋ/
reproduction of some unicellular organisms (such as yeasts) by growth and specialization followed by the separation by constriction of a part of the parent
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
cheeksnounUS /tʃiːks/
plural of “cheek” — either side of the face below the eyes
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
circlingverbUS /ˈsɜːrkəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “circle” — travel around something
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
completedadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtəd/
successfully completed or brought to an end
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
daffodilsnounUS /ˈdæfədɪlz/
plural of “daffodil” — any of numerous varieties of Narcissus plants having showy often yellow flowers with a trumpet-shaped central crown
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
Dickson
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
examplenounUS /ɪɡˈzæmpəl/
an item of information that is typical of a class or group
From this reading A blackbird whistled from a thorn-bush, and Mr. McCunn was inspired to follow its example.
eyesnounUS /aɪz/
opinion or judgment
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
flauntedverbUS /ˈflɔːntɪd/
past form of “flaunt” — display proudly; act ostentatiously or pretentiously
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
followverbUS /ˈfɑːloʊ/
to travel behind, go after, come after
From this reading A blackbird whistled from a thorn-bush, and Mr. McCunn was inspired to follow its example.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A blackbird whistled from a thorn-bush, and Mr. McCunn was inspired to follow its example.
gardennounUS /ˈɡɑːrdən/
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
glancedverbUS /ɡlænst/
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/
coins made of gold
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
greenhousenounUS /ˈɡriːnhaʊs/
a building with glass walls and roof; for the cultivation and exhibition of plants under controlled conditions
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
GuthrienounUS /ˈɡʌθri/
United States folk singer and songwriter (1912-1967)
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He began a tolerable version of "Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch."
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
inspiredadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈspaɪərd/
being of such surpassing excellence as to suggest inspiration by the gods
From this reading A blackbird whistled from a thorn-bush, and Mr. McCunn was inspired to follow its example.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
jackdaws
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
KirknounUS /kɜːrk/
a Scottish church
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
lilacsnounUS /ˈlaɪlæks/
plural of “lilac” — any of various plants of the genus Syringa having large panicles of usually fragrant flowers
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
linenounUS /laɪn/
a formation of people or things one beside another
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
looking-glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
McCunn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
MemorialnounUS /məˈmɔːriəl/
a recognition of meritorious service
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
newadjectiveUS /nuː/
not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
permittedverbUS /pərˈmɪtɪd/
inflected form of “permit” — consent to, give permission
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
polishingnounUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃɪŋ/
the work of making something smooth and shiny by rubbing or waxing it
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
reflectionnounUS /rɪˈflekʃən/
a calm, lengthy, intent consideration
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
Roy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He began a tolerable version of "Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch."
smoothadjectiveUS /smuːð/
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
sootyadjectiveUS /ˈsuːti/
of the blackest black; similar to the color of jet or coal
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
steeplenounUS /ˈstiːpəl/
a tall tower that forms the superstructure of a building (usually a church or temple) and that tapers to a point at the top
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
strayverbUS /streɪ/
move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
tassels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
thorn-bush
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A blackbird whistled from a thorn-bush, and Mr. McCunn was inspired to follow its example.
tinyadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪni/
very small
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
tolerableadjectiveUS /ˈtɑːlərəbəl/
capable of being borne or endured
From this reading He began a tolerable version of "Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch."
towelnounUS /ˈtaʊəl/
a rectangular piece of absorbent cloth (or paper) for drying or wiping
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/
an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint
From this reading He began a tolerable version of "Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch."
wallnounUS /wɔːl/
an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure
From this reading Beyond the sooty wall a birch flaunted its new tassels, and the jackdaws were circling about the steeple of the Guthrie Memorial Kirk.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the little garden lilacs were budding, and there was a gold line of daffodils beside the tiny greenhouse.
whistledverbUS /ˈwɪsəld/
past form of “whistle” — make whistling sounds
From this reading A blackbird whistled from a thorn-bush, and Mr. McCunn was inspired to follow its example.
WifenounUS /waɪf/
a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading He began a tolerable version of "Roy's Wife of Aldivalloch."
windownounUS /ˈwɪndoʊ/
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mr. Dickson McCunn completed the polishing of his smooth cheeks with the towel, glanced appreciatively at their reflection in the looking-glass, and then permitted his eyes to stray out of the window.
