used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
generally approved or compelling recognition
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
equally
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
disposed or placed in a particular kind of order
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
assumptionnounUS /əˈsʌmpʃən/
a statement that is assumed to be true and from which a conclusion can be drawn
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
believernounUS /bəˈliːvər/
a supporter who accepts something as true
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
the act of delivering or distributing something (as goods or mail)
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
Brixton
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
BrooklynnounUS /ˈbrʊklən/
a borough of New York City
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
Brooklyn'snounUS /ˈbrʊklənz/
possessive form of “brooklyn” — a borough of New York City
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
ByronnounUS /ˈbaɪrən/
English romantic poet notorious for his rebellious and unconventional lifestyle (1788-1824)
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
operate or control a vehicle
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
Ellery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
considered likely or probable to happen or arrive
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
marked by firm determination or resolution; not shakable
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
grant freedom to; free from confinement
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
plural of “friend” — a person you know well and regard with affection and trust
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
a movable barrier in a fence or wall
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
good-byenounUS /ɡɪdˈbaɪ/
a farewell remark
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
guiltnounUS /ɡɪlt/
the state of having committed an offense
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
responsible for or chargeable with a reprehensible act
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
hailingverbUS /ˈheɪlɪŋ/
-ing form of “hail” — praise vociferously
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
of great significance or value
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
incredulousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkredʒələs/
not disposed or willing to believe; unbelieving
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
JailnounUS /dʒeɪl/
a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
Joan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
and nothing more
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
the quality of being just or fair
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
hear with intention
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
murderernounUS /ˈmɜːrdərər/
a criminal who commits homicide (who performs the unlawful premeditated killing of another human being)
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
something determined in relation to something that includes it
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Brooklyn passed the porter without a word, and went straight up to his room.
the time that has elapsed
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
porternounUS /ˈpɔːrtər/
a person employed to carry luggage and supplies
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
with speed
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
the event of something being raised upward
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
without much difficulty
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
releaseverbUS /riˈliːs/
release, as from one's grip
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
made known or told about; especially presented in a formal account
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading Brooklyn passed the porter without a word, and went straight up to his room.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
plural of “servant” — a person working in the service of another (especially in the household)
From this reading Walter Brooklyn was not popular in the Club; and, by members and servants alike, the assumption of his guilt had been readily accepted.
stareverbUS /ster/
look at with fixed eyes
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
not in physical motion
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
successive (without a break)
From this reading Brooklyn passed the porter without a word, and went straight up to his room.
taxiverbUS /ˈtæksi/
travel slowly
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
United States clockmaker who introduced mass production (1785-1859)
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At the gate he said good-bye to Thomas, and, hailing a taxi, ordered the man to drive to his Club.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading Brooklyn passed the porter without a word, and went straight up to his room.
German conductor (1876-1962)
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Brooklyn passed the porter without a word, and went straight up to his room.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
which person or people
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
air moving (sometimes with considerable force) from an area of high pressure to an area of low pressure
From this reading Raising the Wind Walter Brooklyn’s release was arranged more quickly than any one had expected, and, while Ellery and Joan were still engaged in the conversation just reported, he came out of Brixton Jail a free man.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Brooklyn passed the porter without a word, and went straight up to his room.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading Brooklyn passed the porter without a word, and went straight up to his room.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The porter at the Byron met him as he entered with an incredulous stare; for he was a firm believer in the theory that Brooklyn was guilty, and had for days past been telling all his friends, and those of the Club members who would listen to him, of the important part which, he himself had played in bringing the murderer to justice.
