used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A GOOD NIGHT’S WORK.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
take a court case to a higher court for review
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
past form of “arrive” — reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
astonishinglyadverbUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃɪŋli/
in an amazing manner; to everyone's surprise
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
coxswainnoun
the helmsman of a ship's boat or a racing crew
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
recognizable; marked
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
disasternounUS /dɪˈzæstər/
a state of extreme (usually irremediable) ruin and misfortune
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
being one more than seven
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
be afraid or feel anxious or apprehensive about a possible or probable situation or event
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
firingnounUS /ˈfaɪrɪŋ/
the act of firing weapons or artillery at an enemy
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
flarenounUS /fler/
a shape that spreads outward
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
a state of partial or total darkness
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading A GOOD NIGHT’S WORK.
Goodwins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
plural of “gun” — a weapon that discharges a missile at high velocity (especially from a metal tube or barrel)
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
go away from a place
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
lifeboatnounUS /ˈlaɪfboʊt/
a strong sea boat designed to rescue people from a sinking ship
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
set afire or burning
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
lightshipsnounUS /ˈlaɪtʃɪps/
plural of “lightship” — a ship equipped like a lighthouse and anchored where a permanent lighthouse would be impracticable
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
Margatenoun
a grunt with a red mouth that is found from Florida to Brazil
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
information about recent and important events
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
NIGHT'SnounUS /naɪts/
possessive form of “night” — the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading A GOOD NIGHT’S WORK.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
OwingadjectiveUS /ˈoʊɪŋ/
owed as a debt
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
the particular portion of space occupied by something
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
one of four equal parts
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
Ramsgate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
conforming to the established language usage of educated native speakers
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
rocketsnounUS /ˈrɑːkəts/
plural of “rocket” — any vehicle self-propelled by a rocket engine
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
having or caused by an irregular surface
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
sandsnounUS /sændz/
the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
express in words
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
a division of an ocean or a large body of salt water partially enclosed by land
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
cause to go somewhere
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
the act of causing something to go (especially messages)
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
transport commercially
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
having strength or power greater than average or expected
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
tar-barrel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
telegramnounUS /ˈteləɡræm/
a message transmitted by telegraph
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
in or at that place or location
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
tugverbUS /tʌɡ/
pull hard
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
characteristic of false pride; having an exaggerated sense of self-importance
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The appeal was not made in vain, and in an astonishingly short space of time the tug and lifeboat were on their way to the Goodwins.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
the countries of (originally) Europe and (now including) North America and South America
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
at the time that
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Owing to the rough sea and strong wind, the Margate lifeboat had been unable to leave the beach, so the coxswain decided to send news of the disaster to Ramsgate, for he knew that the lifeboat there was able, by the help of the tug, to go out in any weather.
wintryadjectiveUS /ˈwɪntri/
characteristic of or occurring in winter
From this reading About a quarter past eight one wintry night, a telegram was received at Ramsgate to say that the lightships west of Margate were sending up rockets and firing guns.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading A GOOD NIGHT’S WORK.
wrecknounUS /rek/
something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation
From this reading For a long time they were unable to find out the position of the wreck, and had begun to fear that they had arrived too late, when suddenly the flare of a tar-barrel lighted up the gloom and showed them a large ship hard and fast upon the sands.
