Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A--WAS AN APPLE PIE.
abundant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, the breakfast, though fairly abundant, was plain.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A--WAS AN APPLE PIE.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
APPLEnounUS /apple/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A--WAS AN APPLE PIE.
bacon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
breakfast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, the breakfast, though fairly abundant, was plain.
brown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
butter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No butter, no marmalade, no jams, no hot cakes, graced the board.
cakes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No butter, no marmalade, no jams, no hot cakes, graced the board.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
certainly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
cold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
fairly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, the breakfast, though fairly abundant, was plain.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
graced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
Helen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
hot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No butter, no marmalade, no jams, no hot cakes, graced the board.
household
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
housekeeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
jams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No butter, no marmalade, no jams, no hot cakes, graced the board.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
loaf
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
marmalade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No butter, no marmalade, no jams, no hot cakes, graced the board.
milk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
NodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading No butter, no marmalade, no jams, no hot cakes, graced the board.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
opposite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
PIE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A--WAS AN APPLE PIE.
piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, the breakfast, though fairly abundant, was plain.
plain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, the breakfast, though fairly abundant, was plain.
plenty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
Polly's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
provided
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
remembered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
stoodnounUS /stood/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
sugar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
tea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
tea-pot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
tea-tray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The first day of Polly's housekeeping was long remembered in the household.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading In the first place, the breakfast, though fairly abundant, was plain.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
trencher
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
WASauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A--WAS AN APPLE PIE.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A large piece of cold bacon graced one end of the board, a brown loaf stood on a trencher in the center, and when Helen took her place opposite the tea-tray she found herself provided with plenty of milk and sugar, certainly, and a large tea-pot of strong tea, but the sugar was brown.
