used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
react verbally
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
automaticallyadverbUS /ˌɔːtəˈmætɪkli/
in a reflex manner
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
bantamnounUS /ˈbæntəm/
any of various small breeds of fowl
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
a room used primarily for sleeping
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
past form of “belong” — be owned by; be in the possession of
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
Directly under; in or to a lower position than.
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
brassnounUS /bræs/
an alloy of copper and zinc
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
brightlyadverbUS /ˈbraɪtli/
with brightness
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
an occurrence of something
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
inflected form of “catch” — discover or come upon accidentally, suddenly, or unexpectedly; catch somebody doing something or in a certain state
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
a timepiece that shows the time of day
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
cockverbUS /kɑːk/
tilt or slant to one side
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
crowingnounUS /ˈkroʊɪŋ/
an instance of boastful talk
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
someone who is a detective
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
DICK'SnounUS /dɪks/
possessive form of “dick” — someone who is a detective
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
downstairsadverbUS /ˈdaʊnˈsterz/
on a floor below
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
dweltverbUS /dwelt/
inflected form of “dwell” — think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
eavesnounUS /iːvz/
the overhang at the lower edge of a roof
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
eight-dayadjective
lasting for eight days
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
farm-yard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
featheredadjectiveUS /ˈfeðərd/
adorned with feathers or plumes
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
the father of your father or mother
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
learntverbUS /lɜːrnt/
inflected form of “learn” — gain knowledge or skills
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
fail to perceive or to catch with the senses or the mind
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
modelnounUS /ˈmɑːdəl/
a hypothetical description of a complex entity or process
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
the hard durable wood of any oak; used especially for furniture and flooring
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
pendulumnounUS /ˈpen.dʒə.ləm/
A weight hung from a fixed point so that it can swing freely, often used in timekeeping.
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
petnounUS /pet/
a domesticated animal kept for companionship or amusement
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
plural of “prayer” — the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
with speed
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
refreshedadjectiveUS /riˈfreʃt/
with restored energy
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
rockingverbUS /ˈrɑːkɪŋ/
-ing form of “rock” — move back and forth or sideways
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
a protective covering that covers or forms the top of a building
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
sailsnounUS /seɪlz/
plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
transport commercially
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
shriller
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
small or little relative to something else
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
sparrowsnounUS /ˈsperoʊz/
plural of “sparrow” — any of several small dull-colored singing birds feeding on seeds or insects
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
an alcoholic beverage that is distilled rather than fermented
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading DICK'S GRANDFATHER THE following morning Dick awoke refreshed and in better spirits.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There his attention was caught by a tall, eight-day clock in a black oak case.
ticknounUS /tɪk/
a metallic tapping sound
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
the upper part of anything
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
twittering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
unfurledverbUS /ənˈfɜːrld/
past form of “unfurl” — unroll, unfold, or spread out or be unrolled, unfolded, or spread out from a furled state
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
Warren'snounUS /ˈwɔːrənz/
possessive form of “warren” — United States writer and poet (1905-1989)
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Dick dressed quickly, and, having said his prayers, went downstairs into the hall.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
in or at the place that
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
an old and formal word for “while”
From this reading The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
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 The sun was shining brightly into his bedroom window, and the sparrows were twittering beneath the eaves of the roof, where many feathered families dwelt; whilst a cock was crowing in a farm-yard not far distant, in answer to a smaller, shriller voice which seemed close by, and which, Dick afterwards learnt, belonged to a bantam, a pet of Miss Warren's.
in the company of; together with
From this reading It had a brass face, on the top of which was the model of a ship with sails unfurled, rocking automatically at every tick of the pendulum.
