used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
the part of the day between noon and evening
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
Alice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It took but a moment to realize that it was Auntie Barber at prayer.
AuntienounUS /ˈænti/
the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading It took but a moment to realize that it was Auntie Barber at prayer.
BarbernounUS /ˈbɑːrbər/
United States composer (1910-1981)
From this reading It took but a moment to realize that it was Auntie Barber at prayer.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
bureaunounUS /ˈbjʊroʊ/
an administrative unit of government
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
bustlingadjectiveUS /ˈbʌsəlɪŋ/
full of energetic and noisy activity
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It took but a moment to realize that it was Auntie Barber at prayer.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/
(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
dressingnounUS /ˈdresɪŋ/
savory dressings for salads; basically of two kinds: either the thin French or vinaigrette type or the creamy mayonnaise type
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
earnestnessnounUS /ˈɜːrnəstnəs/
an earnest and sincere feeling
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
exhibitverbUS /ɪɡˈzɪbɪt/
show an attribute, property, knowledge, or skill
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
flutteredverbUS /ˈflʌtərd/
past form of “flutter” — move along rapidly and lightly; skim or dart
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
and nothing more
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
loitered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
machinerynounUS /məˈʃiːnəri/
machines or machine systems collectively
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
a particular point in time
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
make or become more narrow or restricted
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
absolutely essential
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
immediately following in time or order
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
not any; not one
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
and nothing more
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
the act of passing from one state or place to the next
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading It took but a moment to realize that it was Auntie Barber at prayer.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
be fully aware or cognizant of
From this reading It took but a moment to realize that it was Auntie Barber at prayer.
not move; be in a resting position
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
small Old World songbird with a reddish breast
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
SabbathnounUS /ˈsæbəθ/
a day of rest and worship: Sunday for most Christians; Saturday for the Jews and a few Christians; Friday for Muslims
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
concerned with religion or religious purposes
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
being or feeling set or kept apart from others
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
the act of singing vocal music
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
snatchesnounUS /ˈsnætʃɪz/
plural of “snatch” — a small fragment
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
a short musical composition with words
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading It took but a moment to realize that it was Auntie Barber at prayer.
tremulousadjectiveUS /ˈtremjələs/
(of the voice) quivering as from weakness or fear
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
trillingnounUS /ˈtrɪlɪŋ/
United States literary critic (1905-1975)
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
tunenounUS /tuːn/
a succession of notes forming a distinctive sequence
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
vehementlyadverbUS /ˈviːəməntli/
in a vehement manner
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading IT was some weeks afterwards that I heard from Alice herself the rest of the story.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "I never thought words," she vehemently told me; "they had always seemed to me like so much necessary machinery on which to exhibit the tune."
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
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 While she fluttered from bureau to dressing table, then loitered a moment by the open window trilling her song, from the open window of the next house, separated from her only by a narrow passage way, came a voice, distinct and tremulous with earnestness.
in the company of; together with
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
the words that are spoken
From this reading On that Sabbath afternoon she had been bustling about her room making ready for the evening service, singing snatches of sacred song, with no more thought of the words than had the wood robin just then singing his evening song.
