used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
at or in the front
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The way to the quarries was not an easy one.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
barkingverbUS /ˈbɑːrkɪŋ/
-ing form of “bark” — speak in an unfriendly tone
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
bluestonenounUS /ˈbluːstoʊn/
bluish-grey sandstone used for paving and building
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
move up and down repeatedly
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
burrowsnounUS /ˈbɜːroʊz/
plural of “burrow” — a hole made by an animal, usually for shelter
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
chasingverbUS /ˈtʃeɪsɪŋ/
-ing form of “chase” — go after with the intent to catch
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
go upward with gradual or continuous progress
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
complainingadjectiveUS /kəmˈpleɪnɪŋ/
expressing pain or dissatisfaction of resentment
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
descendverbUS /dɪˈsend/
move downward and lower, but not necessarily all the way
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
characterized by great determination
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
disagreeableadjectiveUS /ˌdɪsəˈɡriːəbəl/
not to your liking
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
a Spanish gentleman or nobleman
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
posing no difficulty; requiring little effort
From this reading The way to the quarries was not an easy one.
at any time
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
at or to or toward the front
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
someone who hunts game
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
plural of “inhabitant” — a person who inhabits a particular place
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
a small worthless amount
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
joyfullyadverbUS /ˈdʒɔɪfəli/
in a joyous and gleeful manner
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
lodgeverbUS /lɑːdʒ/
be a lodger; stay temporarily
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
engage in
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
used to form the superlative
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The way to the quarries was not an easy one.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
go across or through
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
a course of conduct
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
quarriesnounUS /ˈkwɔːriz/
plural of “quarry” — a person who is the aim of an attack (especially a victim of ridicule or exploitation) by some hostile person or influence
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
rabbitsnounUS /ˈræbəts/
plural of “rabbit” — any of various burrowing animals of the family Leporidae having long ears and short tails; some domesticated and raised for pets or food
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
past form of “reach” — reach a destination, either real or abstract
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
retreatsnounUS /riˈtriːts/
plural of “retreat” — (military) withdrawal of troops to a more favorable position to escape the enemy's superior forces or after a defeat
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
plural of “rock” — a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
done under pressure
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
free from danger or the risk of harm
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
ScoutnounUS /skaʊt/
a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
Scout-Master's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
situatedadjectiveUS /ˈsɪtʃuːeɪtɪd/
situated in a particular spot or position
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
slidingadjectiveUS /ˈslaɪdɪŋ/
being a smooth continuous motion
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
slippingadjectiveUS /ˈslɪpɪŋ/
moving as on a slippery surface
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
SNAKEnounUS /sneɪk/
limbless scaly elongate reptile; some are venomous
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
squirrelsnounUS /ˈskwɜːrəlz/
plural of “squirrel” — a kind of arboreal rodent having a long bushy tail
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
at a steady rate or pace
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
having a sharp inclination
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
not in physical motion
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
dependable
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
tantalizinglyadverbUS /ˈtæntəlaɪzɪŋli/
in a tantalizing manner
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
any piece of work that is undertaken or attempted
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
judge or regard; look upon; judge
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
male cat
From this reading THE OLD SNAKE HUNTER The boys--Jack, Tom and Bob--set off one morning at the Scout-Master’s direction for the bluestone quarries situated about a mile from the lodge.
a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
plural of “tree” — a tall perennial woody plant having a main trunk and branches forming a distinct elevated crown; includes both gymnosperms and angiosperms
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
vinesnounUS /vaɪnz/
plural of “vine” — a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
From this reading The boys had to climb over great rocks, descend the steep sides of mountains, slipping and sliding most of the way; they had to make a path through stout vines that reached from tree to tree and seemed determined not to let them pass.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The way to the quarries was not an easy one.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading The way to the quarries was not an easy one.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
which person or people
From this reading Don rushed joyfully ahead, barking at squirrels, who looked at him tantalizingly from safe retreats in the trees, chasing rabbits into their burrows, and making himself altogether disagreeable to the astonished inhabitants of the forest.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
(comparative of “bad”) inferior to another in quality or condition or desirability
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
but in spite of that
From this reading Still they went steadily forward, for what Scout would ever think of complaining or, worse yet, of turning back with a task half done?
