used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
admiringlyadverbUS /ædˈmaɪrɪŋli/
with admiration
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
barnnounUS /bɑːrn/
an outlying farm building for storing grain or animal feed and housing farm animals
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
a youthful male person
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
CanalnounUS /kəˈnæl/
(astronomy) an indistinct surface feature of Mars once thought to be a system of channels; they are now believed to be an optical illusion
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
definite but not specified or identified
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
inflected form of “compel” — force somebody to do something
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
datanounUS /ˈdeɪtə/
a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
declineverbUS /dɪˈklaɪn/
grow worse
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
drawingsnounUS /ˈdrɔːɪŋz/
plural of “drawing” — an illustration that is drawn by hand and published in a book, magazine, or newspaper
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
dusknounUS /dʌsk/
the time of day immediately following sunset
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
engineer'snounUS /ˌendʒəˈniːrz/
possessive form of “engineer” — a person who uses scientific knowledge to solve practical problems
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
experiencesnounUS /ɪkˈspɪriənsɪz/
plural of “experience” — the accumulation of knowledge or skill that results from direct participation in events or activities
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
be agreeable or acceptable to
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
HamptonnounUS /ˈhæmptən/
United States musician who was the first to use the vibraphone as a jazz instrument (1913-2002)
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
come to pass
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
a local and well-defined elevation of the land
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
arousing or holding the attention
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
showing or motivated by sympathy and understanding and generosity
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
indicating the most important performer or role
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
a room where books are kept
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
Mainwaring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
Mainwaring's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
used to form the superlative
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
held or filled or in use
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
PanamanounUS /ˈpænəmɑː/
a republic on the Isthmus of Panama; achieved independence from Colombia in 1903
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
relatingverbUS /rɪˈleɪtɪŋ/
-ing form of “relate” — make a logical or causal connection
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
unusual or striking
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
ScoutsnounUS /skaʊts/
plural of “scout” — a person employed to keep watch for some anticipated event
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
work done by one person or group that benefits another
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
support consisting of a radial member of a wheel joining the hub to the rim
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
strolledverbUS /stroʊld/
past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
to-day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
inflected form of “tell” — express in words
From this reading The tale had been told as they strolled along the road leading to the engineer's home, on a hill outside Hampton.
unfoldedverbUS /ənˈfoʊldɪd/
past form of “unfold” — develop or come to a promising stage
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
go to see a place, as for entertainment
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
which person or people
From this reading Mr. Mainwaring paused as he spoke and looked kindly and admiringly at the three Boy Scouts who had unfolded to him the story of their experiences at the old barn.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading It had occupied some time in the telling, and dusk was drawing in so that, much against their will, the boys were compelled to decline Mr. Mainwaring's invitation to visit his library and see some interesting drawings and data relating to the Panama Canal.
in the company of; together with
From this reading "A most remarkable story; but I happen to know certain things that fit in with it in every way.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading Boys, you have done me a great service to-day."
