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 When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
appear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
brightness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
broke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
carriage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
chance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gentlemen, this is my chance: don’t spoil it for me.
character
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
clapped-to
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
Colonel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
condemned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
corner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
coursenounUS /course/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gentlemen, this is my chance: don’t spoil it for me.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
fond
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
GentlemennounUS /gentlemen/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
guard-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
home
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
horses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
hung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
immediately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
informing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
invidious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Gentlemen, this is my chance: don’t spoil it for me.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
lamps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Gentlemen, this is my chance: don’t spoil it for me.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
mounted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Gentlemen, this is my chance: don’t spoil it for me.
occupant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
Otto
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
outward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
Prince
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
prison
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
prisoner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
rolling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
seat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
shone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
solidly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
spoil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Gentlemen, this is my chance: don’t spoil it for me.
swinging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
travel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
trot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Colonel followed his prisoner and clapped-to the door; and at that the four horses broke immediately into a swinging trot.
unfortunately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I appear, of course, in an invidious character; but I am a man of taste, fond of books and solidly informing talk, and unfortunately condemned for life to the guard-room.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Otto mounted to his rolling prison he found another occupant in a corner of the front seat; but as this person hung his head and the brightness of the carriage lamps shone outward, the Prince could only see it was a man.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading ‘Gentlemen,’ said the Colonel, after some little while had passed, ‘if we are to travel in silence, we might as well be at home.
