used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
barrelnounUS /ˈbærəl/
a tube through which a bullet travels when a gun is fired
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
a container that is usually woven and has handles
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
Berta
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
BethnounUS /beθ/
the 2nd letter of the Hebrew alphabet
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
brewingnounUS /ˈbruːɪŋ/
the production of malt beverages (as beer or ale) from malt and hops by grinding and boiling them and fermenting the result with yeast
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
bushelnounUS /ˈbʊʃəl/
a United States dry measure equal to 4 pecks or 2152.42 cubic inches
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
busiedverbUS /ˈbɪzid/
inflected form of “busy” — keep busy with
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
chinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/
a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
closetnounUS /ˈklɑːzət/
a small room (or recess) or cabinet used for storage space
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
someone who is a detective
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
dining-roomnoun
a room used for dining
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
Doctor'snounUS /ˈdɑːktərz/
possessive form of “doctor” — a licensed medical practitioner
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
the act of escaping physically
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
the organ of sight
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
(usually followed by “with” or used as a combining form) generously supplied with
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
glancesnounUS /ˈɡlænsɪz/
plural of “glance” — a quick look
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
destroyed or killed
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
a small worthless amount
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
conformity or harmony
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
the act of departing
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
Marvin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
paler
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
plannedadjectiveUS /plænd/
designed or carried out according to a plan
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
Selwyn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
smilesnounUS /smaɪlz/
plural of “smile” — a facial expression characterized by turning up the corners of the mouth; usually shows pleasure or amusement
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
a way of access (upward and downward) consisting of a set of steps
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
plant fiber used e.g. for making baskets and hats or as fodder
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
a special situation
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
TUESDAYnounUS /ˈtuːzdi/
the third day of the week; the second working day
From this reading TUESDAY.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
on a floor above
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
precisely as stated
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
at the time that
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading Before leaving the table, he whispered to his sister that mischief was brewing.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Mrs. Marvin took Jack upstairs with her for safe keeping; and Mrs. Selwyn, with an eye on the other three, busied herself at the china closet while they brought in a bushel basket, filled it with straw from a barrel in the corner of the dining-room, carried it into the front hall and put it under the staircase.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Beth, a little paler than usual, but quite ready for work, was the first at the breakfast table next morning.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The evening before, when Berta and Dick had gone to see her for a few minutes, the three had planned what they would do the very first thing in the morning; and the glances and smiles which passed between them during the meal, did not escape the Doctor's eye.
