used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
actsnounUS /ækts/
a New Testament book describing the development of the early church from Christ's Ascension to Paul's sojourn at Rome
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
(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 First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
plural of “animal” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
a gathering of spectators or listeners at a (usually public) performance
From this reading There were six clowns, and they kept the audience in a roar of laughter.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
camelsnounUS /ˈkæməlz/
plural of “camel” — cud-chewing mammal used as a draft or saddle animal in desert regions
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
cartsnounUS /kɑːrts/
plural of “cart” — a heavy open wagon usually having two wheels and drawn by an animal
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
Casso's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
chariotsnounUS /ˈtʃeriəts/
plural of “chariot” — a light four-wheel horse-drawn ceremonial carriage
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
CIRCUSnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəs/
a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
clownsnounUS /klaʊnz/
plural of “clown” — a rude or vulgar fool
From this reading There were six clowns, and they kept the audience in a roar of laughter.
consequentlyadverbUS /ˈkɑːnsəkwəntli/
(sentence connectors) because of the reason given
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
elephantsnounUS /ˈeləfənts/
plural of “elephant” — five-toed pachyderm
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
FirstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/
acknowledged as a supposition
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
past form of “happen” — come to pass
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
a period of time equal to 1/24th of a day
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
inspectingverbUS /ˌɪnˈspektɪŋ/
-ing form of “inspect” — look over carefully
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
a sense of concern with and curiosity about someone or something
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading There were six clowns, and they kept the audience in a roar of laughter.
ladsnounUS /lædz/
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
the sound of laughing
From this reading There were six clowns, and they kept the audience in a roar of laughter.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
most important element
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
menagerienounUS /məˈnædʒəri/
a collection of live animals for study or display
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
noveltynounUS /ˈnɑːvəlti/
originality by virtue of being refreshingly novel
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
performancenounUS /pərˈfɔːrməns/
a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
polesnounUS /poʊlz/
plural of “pole” — a long (usually round) rod of wood or metal or plastic
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
poniesnounUS /ˈpoʊniz/
plural of “pony” — a range horse of the western United States
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
(theology) the origination of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
to a degree (not used with a negative)
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
racingnounUS /ˈreɪsɪŋ/
the sport of engaging in contests of speed
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
RailroadnounUS /ˈreɪlroʊd/
line that is the commercial organization responsible for operating a system of transportation for trains that pull passengers or freight
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
ridersnounUS /ˈraɪdərz/
plural of “rider” — a traveler who actively rides an animal (as a horse or camel)
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading There were six clowns, and they kept the audience in a roar of laughter.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
plural of “show” — the act of publicly exhibiting or entertaining
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading There were six clowns, and they kept the audience in a roar of laughter.
depleted of energy, force, or strength
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
in or at that place or location
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
thrillingadjectiveUS /ˈθrɪlɪŋ/
causing a surge of emotion or excitement
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
trapezenounUS /trəˈpiːz/
a swing used by circus acrobats
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/
characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading First there was the usual procession of horses and riders, elephants and camels, ponies and carts and racing chariots, and then came the acts, all of more or less thrilling interest.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Casso's United Railroad Shows was quite an affair, and the performance was given in two rings at a time, as well as upon a trapeze in the air between the tent poles.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were six clowns, and they kept the audience in a roar of laughter.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
marked by extreme lack of restraint or control
From this reading They spent half an hour in the menagerie tent, inspecting the wild animals, and then took seats in the main tent, as close to the rings as they could get.
a late time of life
From this reading WHAT HAPPENED AT THE CIRCUS The lads had not seen a circus for two years, consequently the show had much of the air of novelty about it for them.
