used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
(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 It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
prior to a specified or implied time
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
basketsnounUS /ˈbæskəts/
plural of “basket” — a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
bleakadjectiveUS /bliːk/
offering little or no hope
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
emitting or reflecting light readily or in large amounts
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
broomsnounUS /bruːmz/
plural of “broom” — a cleaning implement for sweeping; bundle of straws or twigs attached to a long handle
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
brushesnounUS /ˈbrʌʃɪz/
plural of “brush” — a dense growth of bushes
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
caravannounUS /ˈkærəvæn/
a procession (of wagons or mules or camels) traveling together in single file
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
cluenounUS /kluː/
a slight indication
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
an outer garment that has sleeves and covers the body from shoulder down; worn outdoors
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
dangledverbUS /ˈdæŋɡəld/
past form of “dangle” — hang freely
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
darkeningadjectiveUS /ˈdɑːrkənɪŋ/
becoming dark or darker as from waning light or clouding over
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
drearyadjectiveUS /ˈdrɪri/
lacking in liveliness or charm or surprise
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
Elspeth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
a statement that makes something comprehensible by describing the relevant structure or operation or circumstances etc.
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
of great significance or value
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
lacking companions or companionship
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
matsnounUS /mæts/
plural of “mat” — a thick flat pad used as a floor covering
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
meadownounUS /ˈmedoʊ/
a field where grass or alfalfa are grown to be made into hay
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
as might be expected
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
paintverbUS /peɪnt/
make a painting
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
pantingnounUS /ˈpæntɪŋ/
breathing heavily (as after exertion)
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
perambulatingadjective
strolling or walking around
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
preserveverbUS /prəˈzɜːrv/
keep or maintain in unaltered condition; cause to remain or last
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
puffingnounUS /ˈpʌfɪŋ/
blowing tobacco smoke out into the air
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
on the contrary
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
heave or utter a sigh; breathe deeply and heavily
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
spongyadjectiveUS /ˈspʌndʒi/
easily squashed; resembling a sponge in having soft porous texture and compressibility
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
having a supporting base
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
not in physical motion
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
tarpaulinnoun
waterproofed canvas
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
know and comprehend the nature or meaning of
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
under normal conditions
From this reading The horse which usually drew the caravan seemed to know this, for it kept as close as possible to its perambulating home.
of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
vehiclenounUS /ˈviːhɪkəl/
a conveyance that transports people or objects
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
past form of “watch” — look attentively
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Naturally enough, Elspeth could not understand the hurried explanation of the doctor, and could not guess what an important clue the little man was following up.
wherein
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading The day was still fine, but already the sky was darkening with the coming night, and the vehicle looked rather lonely in that wide bleak meadow.
in the company of; together with
From this reading For a moment or two, she watched him puffing and panting down the dreary road, and then, with a sigh, she entered the spongy meadow wherein the caravan was standing.
of the color intermediate between green and orange in the color spectrum; of something resembling the color of an egg yolk
From this reading It looked bright and gay in its coat of yellow paint, although a portion of it was covered with tarpaulin to preserve from rain various brooms and brushes and mats and baskets, which dangled on all four sides.
