used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
the lower side of anything
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
bulgingadjectiveUS /ˈbʌldʒɪŋ/
curving or bulging outward
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
period extending from Dec. 24 to Jan. 6
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
Christmas-tree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
CraneverbUS /kreɪn/
stretch (the neck) so as to see better
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
overfilled or compacted or concentrated
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
decorationsnounUS /ˌdekərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “decoration” — something used to beautify
From this reading Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane handed up the decorations.
greatly pleased
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
earlier in time; previously
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
enthusiasticallyadverbUS /ɪnˌθuːziˈæstɪkli/
with enthusiasm; in an enthusiastic manner
From this reading Martin and the maid, perched on tall step-ladders, worked enthusiastically.
divisible by two
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
exploreverbUS /ɪkˈsplɔːr/
inquire into
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
finestadjectiveUS /ˈfaɪnəst/
superlative of “fine” — being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
glitteringadjectiveUS /ˈɡlɪtərɪŋ/
having brief brilliant points or flashes of light
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
good-naturedadjective
having an easygoing and cheerful disposition
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
having or involving the use of hands
From this reading Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane handed up the decorations.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
MABEL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
Maggie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
a female domestic
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
French bishop who is a patron saint of France (died in 397)
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
the most common medium of exchange; functions as legal tender
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
a form of address for a man
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
a form of address for a married woman
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
nimbleadjectiveUS /ˈnɪmbəl/
moving quickly and lightly
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
nurserynounUS /ˈnɜːrsəri/
a child's room for a baby
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
ornamentsnounUS /ˈɔːrnəmənts/
plural of “ornament” — something used to beautify
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
overshoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
packagesnounUS /ˈpækədʒəz/
plural of “package” — a collection of things wrapped or boxed together
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
perchedverbUS /pɜːrtʃt/
past form of “perch” — sit, as on a branch
From this reading Martin and the maid, perched on tall step-ladders, worked enthusiastically.
hitting a golf ball that is on the green using a putter
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
past form of “remain” — stay the same; remain in a certain state
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
in the near future
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
step-ladders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Martin and the maid, perched on tall step-ladders, worked enthusiastically.
stockingnounUS /ˈstɑːkɪŋ/
close-fitting hosiery to cover the foot and leg; come in matched pairs (usually used in the plural)
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
strungadjectiveUS /strʌŋ/
that is on a string
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
great in vertical dimension; high in stature
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
tinselverbUS /ˈtɪnsəl/
impart a cheap brightness to
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
the upper part of anything
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading They strung the tall tree from top to bottom with tinsel and glittering Christmas-tree ornaments, the finest that money could buy.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane handed up the decorations.
precisely as stated
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A Crowded Day MABEL rose very early indeed on Christmas morning to explore her bulging stocking and to open her packages; but Mr. Black and Mrs. Crane were even earlier, and they were delighted to find that the weather had remained mild.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
past form of “work” — exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading Martin and the maid, perched on tall step-ladders, worked enthusiastically.
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
wrapsnounUS /ræps/
plural of “wrap” — cloak that is folded or wrapped around a person
From this reading Putting on their outside wraps and warm overshoes, the worthy couple went with good-natured Martin and Maggie, the nimble nursery maid, to the garden as soon as it was light.
