used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
the state of being absent
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
(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 The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
apologizingverbUS /əˈpɑːlədʒaɪzɪŋ/
-ing form of “apologize” — acknowledge faults or shortcomings or failing
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
bar-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
past form of “cease” — put an end to a state or an activity
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
completingadjectiveUS /kəmˈpliːtɪŋ/
acting as or providing a complement (something that completes the whole)
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
an admission of misdeeds or faults
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
disorder resulting from a failure to behave predictably
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
dancedverbUS /dænst/
past form of “dance” — move in a graceful and rhythmical way
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
dancesnounUS /ˈdænsəz/
plural of “dance” — an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
dodgedverbUS /dɑːdʒd/
past form of “dodge” — make a sudden movement in a new direction so as to avoid
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
plural of “duty” — the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
elbowedverbUS /ˈelboʊd/
past form of “elbow” — push one's way with the elbows
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
emergencynounUS /ɪˈmɜːrdʒənsi/
a sudden unforeseen crisis (usually involving danger) that requires immediate action
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
opinion or judgment
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
finaladjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəl/
occurring at or forming an end or termination
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
Hamlin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
infantrynounUS /ˈɪnfəntri/
an army unit consisting of soldiers who fight on foot
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
immediately past
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
McDonald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
the act of playing a musical instrument
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
programnounUS /ˈproʊɡræm/
a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
past form of “resume” — take up or begin anew
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
past form of “return” — go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
done under pressure
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
scheduledadjectiveUS /ˈskedʒʊld/
planned or scheduled for some certain time or times
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
sergeantnounUS /ˈsɑːrdʒənt/
any of several noncommissioned officer ranks in the Army or Air Force or Marines ranking above a corporal
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Sergeant, intent on his purpose, and aware that the band had ceased playing, dodged past these and entered the parlor.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The last of these had begun before the infantry sergeant returned, and, apologizing for his long absence, resumed his duties at the door.
thirstyadjectiveUS /ˈθɜːrsti/
needing moisture
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
not known
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
waitersnounUS /ˈweɪtərz/
plural of “waiter” — a person whose occupation is to serve at table (as in a restaurant)
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A FULL CONFESSION There were two more dances scheduled on the program.
in or at the place that
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
which person or people
From this reading The hotel opposite was all bustle and confusion, the bar-room crowded with the thirsty emergency waiters who had rushed about the hall completing final preparations.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Across the room, Hamlin's eyes met those of Miss McDonald, where she danced with an unknown officer; then he turned and elbowed his way to the street.
