used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
ampleadjectiveUS /ˈæmpəl/
more than enough in size or scope or capacity
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
Arthur'snounUS /ˈɑːrθərz/
possessive form of “arthur” — elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
balladsnounUS /ˈbælədz/
plural of “ballad” — a narrative song with a recurrent refrain
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
blusteringadjectiveUS /ˈblʌstərɪŋ/
blowing in violent and abrupt bursts
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
being full of or promoting cheer; having or showing good spirits
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
children's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
an institution created to conduct business
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
CornellnounUS /kɔːrˈnel/
United States actress noted for her performances in Broadway plays (1893-1974)
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
dewnounUS /duː/
water that has condensed on a cool surface overnight from water vapor in the air
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
echoingadjectiveUS /ˈekoʊɪŋ/
(of sounds) repeating by reflection
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
favoritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/
something regarded with special favor or liking
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
start firing a weapon
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
frozenadjectiveUS /ˈfroʊzən/
turned into ice; affected by freezing or by long and severe cold
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
good-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
a social unit living together
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/
moving with great haste
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
past form of “kiss” — touch with the lips or press the lips (against someone's mouth or other body part) as an expression of love, greeting, etc.
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
a form of address for a man
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
an uneasy psychological state
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
nocturnenoun
a pensive lyrical piece of music (especially for the piano)
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
nurserynounUS /ˈnɜːrsəri/
a child's room for a baby
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
orderlynounUS /ˈɔːrdərli/
a soldier who serves as an attendant to a superior officer
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
parlornounUS /ˈpɑːrlər/
reception room in an inn or club where visitors can be received
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
passers-bynounUS /ˈpæsərzbaɪ/
plural of “passer-by” — a person who passes by casually or by chance
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
pensiveadjectiveUS /ˈpensɪv/
deeply or seriously thoughtful
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
pianonounUS /piˈænoʊ/
a keyboard instrument that is played by depressing keys that cause hammers to strike tuned strings and produce sounds
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
in the near future
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
quietadjectiveUS /ˈkwaɪət/
characterized by an absence or near absence of agitation or activity
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
North American woodland herb similar to and used as substitute for the Chinese ginseng
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
(of persons) having the torso erect and legs bent with the body supported on the buttocks
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
established or decided beyond dispute or doubt
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
in an aggressive manner
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
soft-coal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
with low volume
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
plural of “stone” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
succeedingadjectiveUS /səkˈsiːdɪŋ/
coming after or following
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
Susie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
treadverbUS /tred/
put down or press the foot, place the foot
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
past form of “visit” — go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading Father and mother, as was their custom, had visited the nursery in company, heard the children’s prayers, and kissed them “good-night.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
exhaust or get tired through overuse or great strain or stress
From this reading The orderly household had settled down into cheerful quiet that fell like dew upon weary nerves.
weddedadjectiveUS /ˈwedɪd/
having been taken in marriage
From this reading The night was blustering, and in the silence succeeding the music, the wedded pair, seated before the soft-coal fire in the back parlor, heard the hurrying tread of passers-by echoing sharply from the frozen stones.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Susie went to the piano presently and played a pensive _nocturne_, then sang softly a couple of Arthur’s favorite ballads.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading THE evening meal—an excellent one, to which Mr. Cornell did ample justice—was over.
