used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
(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 Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
separated or at a distance in place or position or time
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
Australia'snounUS /ɔːˈstreɪljəz/
possessive form of “australia” — a nation occupying the whole of the Australian continent; Aboriginal tribes are thought to have migrated from southeastern Asia 20,000 years ago; first Europeans were British convicts sent there as a penal colony
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
delighting the senses or exciting intellectual or emotional admiration
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
Birdlike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
a youthful male person
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
canvasnounUS /ˈkænvəs/
a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
an officer holding a rank below a major but above a lieutenant
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
a person who is in charge
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
chuggedverbUS /tʃʌɡd/
inflected form of “chug” — make a dull, explosive sound
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
make overcast or cloudy
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
Dave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
Dave's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
the first light of day
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
driftedverbUS /ˈdrɪftəd/
past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
dyedadjectiveUS /daɪd/
(used of color) artificially produced; not natural
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
plural of “fellow” — a boy or man
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
gatewaynounUS /ˈɡeɪtweɪ/
an entrance that can be closed by a gate
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
plural of “get” — a return on a shot that seemed impossible to reach and would normally have resulted in a point for the opponent
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
goalnounUS /ɡoʊl/
the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
GRUMMITT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
harborverbUS /ˈhɑːrbər/
maintain (a theory, thoughts, or feelings)
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
ten 10s
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Captain Phelps who spoke.
past form of “lean” — to incline or bend from a vertical position
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
leisurelyadverbUS /ˈliːzərli/
in an unhurried way or at one's convenience
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
used to form the superlative
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
in accordance with nature; relating to or concerning nature
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
NeptunenounUS /ˈneptuːn/
(Roman mythology) god of the sea; counterpart of Greek Poseidon
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
and nothing more
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
the local environment
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
Phelps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was Captain Phelps who spoke.
a place (seaport or airport) where people and merchandise can enter or leave a country
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
puffverbUS /pʌf/
smoke and exhale strongly
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
a charge of ammunition for a single shot
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
rustyadjectiveUS /ˈrʌsti/
covered with or consisting of rust
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
sailingnounUS /ˈseɪlɪŋ/
the work of a sailor
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
sea-birds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
lift onto one's shoulders
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
spellboundadjectiveUS /ˈspelbaʊnd/
having your attention fixated as though by a spell
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading It was Captain Phelps who spoke.
steamersnounUS /ˈstiːmərz/
plural of “steamer” — a clam that is usually steamed in the shell
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
sternadjectiveUS /stɜːrn/
of a stern or strict bearing or demeanor; forbidding in aspect
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
SydneynounUS /ˈsɪdni/
the largest Australian city located in southeastern Australia on the Tasman Sea; state capital of New South Wales; Australia's chief port
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
taffrailnoun
the railing around the stern of a ship
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
threadingverbUS /ˈθredɪŋ/
-ing form of “thread” — to move or cause to move in a sinuous, spiral, or circular course
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
in the direction of
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
trampnounUS /træmp/
a vagrant
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
vesselsnounUS /ˈvesəlz/
plural of “vessel” — a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
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 CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
weather-beatenadjective
tanned and coarsened from being outdoors
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The rusty old tramp was only one of a hundred vessels that were threading their way into or out from Australia’s chief port.
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
which person or people
From this reading It was Captain Phelps who spoke.
belonging to which person
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
wing-tips
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Birdlike sailing craft, crowded with canvas to catch the least puff of wind, drifted along in leisurely fashion; weather-beaten steamers from all parts of the world chugged towards their goal, sometimes ten thousand miles away; and a cloud of sea-birds, among them great fellows whose wing-tips seemed to stretch full five feet apart, crowded round the stern of the _Neptune_.
everything that exists anywhere
From this reading CAPTAIN GRUMMITT GETS WET The gateway to Sydney, by water, is said to be the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and Dave leaned over the taffrail spellbound as the dawn dyed the sea a deep red.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Well, my boy, what do you think of Sydney harbor?” said a voice at Dave’s shoulder.
