used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
how long something has existed
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He stirred uneasily, and sat upright.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
awakeadjectiveUS /əˈweɪk/
not in a state of sleep; completely conscious
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
plural of “bird” — warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrates characterized by feathers and forelimbs modified as wings
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
BlakenounUS /bleɪk/
visionary British poet and painter (1757-1827)
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
boobies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
cormorantsnounUS /ˈkɔːrmərənts/
plural of “cormorant” — large voracious dark-colored long-necked seabird with a distensible pouch for holding fish; used in Asia to catch fish
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
divingnounUS /ˈdaɪvɪŋ/
an athletic competition that involves diving into water
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
any of various mostly cold-blooded aquatic vertebrates usually having scales and breathing through gills
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
frigatenounUS /ˈfrɪɡət/
a medium size square-rigged warship of the 18th and 19th centuries
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
characterized by beauty of movement, style, form, or execution
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
gullsnounUS /ɡʌlz/
plural of “gull” — a person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He stirred uneasily, and sat upright.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
leaflessadjectiveUS /ˈliːfləs/
having no leaves
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
staying power
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
a particular point in time
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
used of mouth or eyes
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
outstretchedadjectiveUS /aʊtˈstretʃt/
fully extended especially in length
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
OverprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
peeredverbUS /pɪrd/
past form of “peer” — look searchingly
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
piratesnounUS /ˈpaɪrəts/
plural of “pirate” — someone who uses another person's words or ideas as if they were his own
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
poisedadjectiveUS /pɔɪzd/
marked by balance or equilibrium and readiness for action
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
take something away by force or without the consent of the owner
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
any member of a ship's crew
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading He stirred uneasily, and sat upright.
scarlet-throated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
scorchverbUS /skɔːrtʃ/
make very hot and dry
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
skimmingnounUS /ˈskɪmɪŋ/
the act of removing floating material from the surface of a liquid
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading He stirred uneasily, and sat upright.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
swartadjectiveUS /swɔːrt/
naturally having skin of a dark color
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
swoopnounUS /swuːp/
(music) rapid sliding up or down the musical scale
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
ternsnounUS /tɜːrnz/
plural of “tern” — small slender gull having narrow wings and a forked tail
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
plural of “thousand” — the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
uneasilyadverbUS /əˈniːzəli/
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading He stirred uneasily, and sat upright.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading He stood up, and peered around through the half leafless branches.
uprightadjectiveUS /əˈpraɪt/
in a vertical position; not sloping
From this reading He stirred uneasily, and sat upright.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
weakeradjectiveUS /ˈwiːkər/
comparative of “weak” — wanting in physical strength
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
at the time that
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE CLUB AGE It was past two o'clock when the sun, striking in where Blake lay outstretched, began to scorch one of his legs.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Over the water thousands of gulls and terns, boobies and cormorants were skimming and diving, while above them a number of graceful frigate birds--those swart, scarlet-throated pirates of the air,--hung poised, ready to swoop down and rob the weaker birds of their fish.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading Like a sailor, he was wide awake the moment he opened his eyes.
