used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
any person at all
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
for the reason that
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
blackingnoun
a substance used to produce a shiny protective surface on footwear
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
boxesnounUS /ˈbɑːksəz/
plural of “box” — a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
eat an early morning meal
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
brooknounUS /brʊk/
a natural stream of water smaller than a river (and often a tributary of a river)
From this reading There was a brook running through the picnic field and Sarah meant to explore it thoroughly.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
taking care or paying attention
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
one who is the object of choice; who is given preference
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
rid of obstructions
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
dawnedverbUS /dɔːnd/
past form of “dawn” — become clear or enter one's consciousness or emotions
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
decorativeadjectiveUS /ˈdekrətɪv/
serving an esthetic rather than a useful purpose
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
past form of “explain” — make plain and comprehensible
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
exploreverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːr/
inquire into
From this reading There was a brook running through the picnic field and Sarah meant to explore it thoroughly.
a social unit living together
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading There was a brook running through the picnic field and Sarah meant to explore it thoroughly.
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
come or bring to a finish or an end
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
flatlyadverbUS /ˈflætli/
in an unqualified manner
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
forciblyadverbUS /ˈfɔːrsəbli/
in a forcible manner
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
set up or found
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
come into the possession of something concrete or abstract
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
in a hurried or hasty manner
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
investigatingnounUS /ˌɪnˈvestəɡeɪtɪŋ/
the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
a room equipped for preparing meals
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
inflected form of “mean” — mean or intend to express or convey
From this reading There was a brook running through the picnic field and Sarah meant to explore it thoroughly.
minnowsnounUS /ˈmɪnoʊz/
plural of “minnow” — very small European freshwater fish common in gravelly streams
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
moment'snounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/
possessive form of “moment” — a particular point in time
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
not any; not one
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
oxfordsnounUS /ˈɑːksfərdz/
plural of “oxford” — a city in southern England to the northwest of London; site of Oxford University
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
packingnounUS /ˈpækɪŋ/
any material used especially to protect something
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
the state prevailing during the absence of war
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
PICNICnounUS /ˈpɪknɪk/
a day devoted to an outdoor social gathering
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
purposesnounUS /ˈpɜːrpəsəz/
plural of “purpose” — an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
red color or pigment; the chromatic color resembling the hue of blood
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
refittedverbUS /riˈfɪtɪd/
inflected form of “refit” — fit out again
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
past form of “refuse” — show unwillingness towards
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
restrainedadjectiveUS /riˈstreɪnd/
cool and formal in manner
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
RosemarynounUS /ˈroʊzmeri/
widely cultivated for its fragrant grey-green leaves used in cooking and in perfumery
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading There was a brook running through the picnic field and Sarah meant to explore it thoroughly.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
SarahnounUS /ˈserə/
(Old Testament) the wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
an educational institution
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
Shirley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
shoenounUS /ʃuː/
footwear shaped to fit the foot (below the ankle) with a flexible upper of leather or plastic and a sole and heel of heavier material
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
a particular situation
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
socksnounUS /sɑːks/
plural of “sock” — hosiery consisting of a cloth covering for the foot; worn inside the shoe; reaches to between the ankle and the knee
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
tannounUS /tæn/
a browning of the skin resulting from exposure to the rays of the sun
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
in or at that place or location
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
in an exhaustive manner
From this reading There was a brook running through the picnic field and Sarah meant to explore it thoroughly.
the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading There was a brook running through the picnic field and Sarah meant to explore it thoroughly.
tienounUS /taɪ/
neckwear consisting of a long narrow piece of material worn (mostly by men) under a collar and tied in knot at the front
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
except if; if not
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
upsetverbUS /əpˈset/
disturb the balance or stability of
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
be dressed in
From this reading Sarah flatly refused to go to the picnic unless her red tie could be found, not that she wanted to wear it for decorative purposes, she carefully explained, but because she thought she could catch minnows in it.
a Caucasian
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
WillisnounUS /ˈwɪlɪs/
English physician who was a pioneer in the study of the brain (1621-1675)
From this reading THE SCHOOL PICNIC The Saturday chosen for the picnic dawned clear and warm and there was no sleep for anyone in the Willis family after six o'clock.
Winnie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Shirley and Sarah had to be forcibly restrained from investigating the boxes on the kitchen table and Winnie finally decided to finish packing them before breakfast, in order to "get a moment's peace" as she said.
in the company of; together with
From this reading By the time Rosemary had found the tie, Shirley had managed to upset the shoe blacking on her white shoes and had to be hastily refitted with tan socks and oxfords.
