used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
in actual fact
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
attractverbUS /əˈtrækt/
direct toward itself or oneself by means of some psychological power or physical attributes
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
automobilesnounUS /ˈɔːtəmoʊbiːlz/
plural of “automobile” — a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
back-fires
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
blow-outs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
CAUTIONnounUS /ˈkɑːʃən/
the trait of being cautious; being attentive to possible danger
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
citiesnounUS /ˈsɪtiz/
plural of “city” — a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
communitynounUS /kəˈmjuːnəti/
a group of people living in a particular local area
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
a phenomenon that follows and is caused by some previous phenomenon
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
without variation or change, in every case
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
traveling across
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
dischargeverbUS /dɪsˈtʃɑːrdʒ/
complete or carry out
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
firearmsnounUS /ˈfaɪərɑːrmz/
plural of “firearm” — a portable gun
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
firedadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪərd/
having lost your job
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
only a very short time before
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
a small worthless amount
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
law-abidingadjective
(of individuals) adhering strictly to laws and rules and customs
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
has a good chance of being the case or of coming about
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
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 In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
most important element
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
noisesnounUS /ˈnɔɪzɪz/
plural of “noise” — sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
an announcement containing information about an event
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
peacefuladjectiveUS /ˈpiːsfəl/
not disturbed by strife or turmoil or war
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
pistolnounUS /ˈpɪstəl/
a firearm that is held and fired with one hand
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
affix in a public place or for public notice
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
on the contrary
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
reportsnounUS /rɪˈpɔːrts/
plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
resembleverbUS /rɪˈzembəl/
appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
revolvernounUS /rɪˈvɑːlvər/
a pistol with a revolving cylinder (usually having six chambers for bullets)
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
the act of firing a projectile
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
ShotsnounUS /ʃɑːts/
plural of “shot” — the act of firing a projectile
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
throngedadjectiveUS /θrɔːŋd/
filled with great numbers crowded together
From this reading In consequence, when Jack shot off his revolver, it was not long before the main street in front of the post office was thronged.
tireverbUS /ˈtaɪər/
lose interest or become bored with something or somebody
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading But in the quiet little western town of Golden Crossing shots were rather a novelty.
under normal conditions
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
at the time that
From this reading The place was peaceful and law-abiding, and, as was said, when pistol reports were heard, there usually was some good reason for them.
in or at the place that
From this reading A CAUTION Shots always attract attention, especially in a western community where they usually mean something.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading In cities there are so many noises constantly being heard, and back-fires and tire blow-outs from automobiles so nearly resemble the discharge of firearms, that if a revolver actually were to be fired in a crowded street it is hardly likely that it would attract notice.
