used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
amidprepositionUS /əˈmɪd/
in the middle of; surrounded by
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
ashoreadverbUS /əˈʃɔːr/
towards the shore from the water
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
baggagenounUS /ˈbæɡədʒ/
cases used to carry belongings when traveling
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
belatedadjectiveUS /bɪˈleɪtɪd/
after the expected or usual time; delayed
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/
a rapid active commotion
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
rid of obstructions
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
cause to herd, drive, or crowd together
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
any of various platforms built into a vessel
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
relatively deep or strong; affecting one deeply
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
departingverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrtɪŋ/
-ing form of “depart” — move away from a place into another direction
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
drippingnounUS /ˈdrɪpɪŋ/
a liquid (as water) that flows in drops (as from the eaves of house)
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
farewellsnounUS /ˌferˈwelz/
plural of “farewell” — an acknowledgment or expression of goodwill at parting
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
gang-plank
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
of comparatively great physical weight or density
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
hustledverbUS /ˈhʌsəld/
past form of “hustle” — cause to move furtively and hurriedly
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
immediately past
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
sound of any kind (especially unintelligible or dissonant sound)
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
passengernounUS /ˈpæsəndʒər/
a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
passengersnounUS /ˈpæsəndʒərz/
plural of “passenger” — a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
piernounUS /pɪr/
a platform built out from the shore into the water and supported by piles; provides access to ships and boats
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
plankverbUS /plæŋk/
cover with planks
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
compacted by ironing
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
propellernounUS /prəˈpelər/
a mechanical device that rotates to push against air or water
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
protectedadjectiveUS /prəˈtektɪd/
kept safe or defended from danger or injury or loss
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
railnounUS /reɪl/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
rainingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪnɪŋ/
falling in drops or as if falling like rain
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
go or come back to place, condition, or activity where one has been before
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
traverse or travel on (a body of water)
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
scrambledadjectiveUS /ˈskræmbəld/
thrown together in a disorderly fashion
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
transport commercially
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
in a vehement outcry
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
encouragement in the form of cheers from spectators
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
in the near future
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
stripverbUS /strɪp/
take away possessions from someone
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
strugglingadjectiveUS /ˈstrʌɡəlɪŋ/
engaged in a struggle to overcome especially poverty or obscurity
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
in or at that place or location
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
tremornounUS /ˈtremər/
an involuntary vibration (as if from illness or fear)
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
umbrellasnounUS /əmˈbreləz/
plural of “umbrella” — a lightweight handheld collapsible canopy
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
the topmost one of two
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
plural of “visitor” — someone who visits
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading A tremor ran through the vessel as the propeller began to move, and soon there was a strip of water between the pier and the ship.
past form of “wave” — signal with the hands or nod
From this reading The departing passengers, most of them protected by an upper deck, pressed four deep against the rail, and waved and shouted in return.
wavingnounUS /ˈweɪvɪŋ/
the act of signaling by a movement of the hand
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The last visitors were hustled ashore; amid noise and bustle, the plank was drawn away, and the ship was clear.
at the time that
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The belated passenger, struggling with heavy hand baggage, scrambled up the gang-plank.
but in spite of that
From this reading It was raining when the ship was ready to sail; yet on the pier a large crowd of people stood under dripping umbrellas, waving and shouting farewells to their friends on board.
