Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
announce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
arrival
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
articles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
blew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
canvas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
Carminster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
carried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
cathedral
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
city
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
coat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
coffee-house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
colonial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
countryman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
covered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
croupe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
delay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
en
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
event
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
expensive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
formed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
franked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
freight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
GAY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
gazettes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
General
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
harbour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
highwaymen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
horn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
horse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
huge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
immense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
jackboots
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
Letters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
liable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
mail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
Member
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
mire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
news
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
newsletters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
oiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
pack
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
Parliament
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
portion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
Post
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
rare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
reads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
red
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
rising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
rode
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
scraps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
snows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
Special
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
speeds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
steamer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
storms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
stout
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
supportverbUS /səˈpɔːrt/
to provide what someone needs in order to live
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
Takes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
tall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
ThoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To the next coffee-house he speeds, Takes up the news, some scraps he reads.--GAY.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Though Carminster was a cathedral city, the Special General Post only came in once a week, and was liable to delay through storms, snows, mire and highwaymen, so that its arrival was as great an event as is now the coming in of a mail steamer to a colonial harbour.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Letters were rare and very expensive articles unless franked by a Member of Parliament, but gazettes and newsletters formed a large portion of his freight.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He rode a strong horse, which carried, _en croupe_, an immense pack, covered with oiled canvas, rising high enough to support his back, while he blew a long horn to announce his arrival.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The “post” was a stout countryman, with a red coat, tall jackboots and a huge hat.
