used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
from one side of something to the other
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
outward or visible aspect of a person or thing
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
areanounUS /ˈeriə/
a particular geographical region of indefinite boundary (usually serving some special purpose or distinguished by its people or culture or geography)
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
earnest and conscientious activity intended to do or accomplish something
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
plural of “branch” — a division of some larger or more complex organization
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
cautiouslyadverbUS /ˈkɔːʃəsli/
as if with kid gloves; with caution or prudence or tact
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
chintznoun
a brightly printed and glazed cotton fabric
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
confoundverbUS /kɑːnˈfaʊnd/
be confusing or perplexing to; cause to be unable to think clearly
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
curtainsnounUS /ˈkɜːrtənz/
plural of “curtain” — hanging cloth used as a blind (especially for a window)
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
elmnounUS /elm/
any of various trees of the genus Ulmus: important timber or shade trees
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
opinion or judgment
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
(of a number) having a fixed and unchanging value
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
inflected form of “grow” — pass into a condition gradually, take on a specific property or attribute; become
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
HarrisnounUS /ˈherɪs/
United States author who wrote the stories about Uncle Remus (1848-1908)
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
the vertical dimension of extension; distance from the base of something to the top
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
insultnounUS /ˌɪnˈsʌlt/
a rude expression intended to offend or hurt
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
plural of “know” — the fact of being aware of information that is known to few people
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
lawnnounUS /lɔːn/
a field of cultivated and mowed grass
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
plural of “limb” — one of the jointed appendages of an animal used for locomotion or grasping: arm; leg; wing; flipper
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
MUGnounUS /mʌɡ/
the quantity that can be held in a mug
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
a brief written record
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
and nothing more
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
Pee-wee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
Pee-wee's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
a geometric element that has position but no extension
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
preoccupiedadjectiveUS /priˈɑːkjəpaɪd/
deeply absorbed in thought
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
shadedadjectiveUS /ˈʃeɪdɪd/
protected from heat and light with shade or shadow
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
sidewalknounUS /ˈsaɪdwɔːk/
walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
SimultaneouslyadverbUS /ˌsaɪməlˈteɪniəsli/
at the same instant
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
sister'snounUS /ˈsɪstərz/
possessive form of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
distribute or disperse widely
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
statelyadjectiveUS /ˈsteɪtli/
impressive in appearance
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
carry out
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading At that height great limbs spread out over the sidewalk and shaded a large area of the Harris lawn.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
not thin; of a specific thickness or of relatively great extent from one surface to the opposite usually in the smallest of the three solid dimensions
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
plural of “thought” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
in contact with each other or in proximity
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
the main stem of a tree; usually covered with bark; the bole is usually the part that is commercially useful for lumber
From this reading The tree was stately, as only an elm knows how to be, its tall, thick trunk being free of branches to a point almost level with the roof of the house.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Pee-wee was too preoccupied to take note of this insult.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
in the company of; together with
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading MUG Simultaneously with Pee-wee’s appearance on the roof of the front porch the chintz curtains in his sister’s window were cautiously drawn together so as to confound any attempt to look within.
plural of “yard” — a unit of length equal to 3 feet; defined as 91.44 centimeters; originally taken to be the average length of a stride
From this reading His eyes and thoughts were fixed upon a large elm tree which grew close to the sidewalk some yards distant across the lawn.
