used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
(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 BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Jack never hesitated an instant.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
blowingnounUS /ˈbloʊɪŋ/
processing that involves blowing a gas
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
cause to change; make different; cause a transformation
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
floatingadjectiveUS /ˈfloʊtɪŋ/
borne up by or suspended in a liquid
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
girlishadjectiveUS /ˈɡɜːrlɪʃ/
befitting or characteristic of a young girl
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
golden-haired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
headdress that protects the head from bad weather; has shaped crown and usually a brim
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
headgearnounUS /ˈhedɡɪr/
clothing for the head
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
past form of “hesitate” — pause or hold back in uncertainty or unwillingness
From this reading Jack never hesitated an instant.
humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/
characteristic of humanity
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
a very short time (as the time it takes the eye to blink or the heart to beat)
From this reading Jack never hesitated an instant.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
a small worthless amount
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
a female domestic
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
the force of workers available
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading Jack never hesitated an instant.
not any; not one
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
outstretchedadjectiveUS /aʊtˈstretʃt/
fully extended especially in length
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
perilnounUS /ˈperəl/
a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
by chance
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
move upward
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
cut with a saw
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
shrieknounUS /ʃriːk/
sharp piercing cry
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
sinkverbUS /sɪŋk/
fall or descend to a lower place or level
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
snatchedverbUS /snætʃt/
past form of “snatch” — to grasp hastily or eagerly
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
having a supporting base
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
(sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The chances seemed to be that possibly the hat might sink before they could get to it.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading The men had started to change their stroke, and try and turn the boat; but with the wind blowing so hard this was no easy matter.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE BOAT IN THE FACE OF THE MOON A single look told Jack another story, for after all it was no human life in peril that had given rise to that girlish shriek.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
which person or people
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Upon the dancing waves he saw a pretty hat, which had evidently been snatched by the wind from the head of the golden-haired maid, who was half standing up in the boat, with her hands outstretched toward her floating headgear.
