used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
a-going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
experiencing a sudden sense of danger
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
backingnounUS /ˈbækɪŋ/
the act of providing approval and support
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
Beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
BusternounUS /ˈbʌstər/
an informal form of address for a man
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
temporary living quarters specially built by the army for soldiers
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
chumnounUS /tʃʌm/
a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
churningadjectiveUS /ˈtʃɜːrnɪŋ/
moving with or producing or produced by vigorous agitation
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
a flow of electricity through a conductor
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
ejectingverbUS /ɪˈdʒektɪŋ/
-ing form of “eject” — put out or expel from a place
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
to a distinctly greater extent or degree than is common
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
be engaged in a fight; carry on a fight
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
JoshverbUS /dʒɑːʃ/
be silly or tease one another
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
conformity or harmony
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
engage in
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
MississippinounUS /ˌmɪsɪˈsɪpi/
a major North American river and the chief river of the United States; rises in northern Minnesota and flows southward into the Gulf of Mexico
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
and nothing more
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
paddle-wheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
persistedverbUS /pərˈsɪstɪd/
past form of “persist” — continue to exist
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
rapidadjectiveUS /ˈræpəd/
done or occurring in a brief period of time
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
express in words
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
perception by means of the eyes
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
shrilled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
sockdolager
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
splashingnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪŋ/
the act of splashing a (liquid) substance on a surface
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
make steady
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
steamboatnounUS /ˈstiːmboʊt/
a boat propelled by a steam engine
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
dependable
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
swimmingnounUS /ˈswɪmɪŋ/
the act of swimming
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
express in words
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Still it seemed as though Buster might be swimming toward them.
extraordinarily large in size or extent or amount or power or degree
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
an act that exploits or victimizes someone (treats them unfairly)
From this reading He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
precisely as stated
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
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 He was using only one hand, and churning the water like the paddle-wheel of a Mississippi steamboat.
we're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
at the time that
From this reading Being compelled to fight against the steady current, the boat could not make such very rapid progress, especially when backing up.
in or at the place that
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
Whew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading “Whew!” they heard him say, after ejecting a stream of water from his mouth, which he persisted in keeping open; “a sockdolager, I tell you!
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading THE CAMP ON THE RIVER BANK “Keep a-going, Buster; we’re coming back for you!” shrilled Josh, not a little alarmed on account of seeing such a tremendous splashing back where the stout chum was struggling in the river.
