used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
accountsnounUS /əˈkaʊnts/
plural of “account” — a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
the event of one object coming closer to another
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
aptitudenounUS /ˈæptətuːd/
inherent ability
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
awaitedadjectiveUS /əˈweɪtɪd/
expected hopefully
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
enter or assume a certain state or condition
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
bookkeepernounUS /ˈbʊkkiːpər/
someone who records the transactions of a business
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
the act of drawing spatially closer to something
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
deliciousadjectiveUS /dɪˈlɪʃəs/
greatly pleasing or entertaining
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
someone who is a detective
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
Didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
employeesnounUS /emˈplɔɪiz/
plural of “employee” — a worker who is hired to perform a job
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
expandingverbUS /ɪkˈspændɪŋ/
-ing form of “expand” — extend in one or more directions
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
extraadjectiveUS /ˈekstrə/
more than is needed, desired, or required
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
plural of “figure” — a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
set up or found
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
past form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
greetverbUS /ɡriːt/
express greetings upon meeting someone
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
Halliardnoun
a rope for raising or lowering a sail or flag
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
the (prehensile) extremity of the superior limb
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
Hunter'snounUS /ˈhʌntərz/
possessive form of “hunter” — someone who hunts game
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
kissingnounUS /ˈkɪsɪŋ/
affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs)
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
a vaguely specified concern
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
the food served and eaten at one time
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
inflected form of “meet” — come together
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
a form of address for a man
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
not any; not one
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
under a moral obligation to do something
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
many times at short intervals
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
old-fashionedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd/
out of fashion
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
and nothing more
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
a course of conduct
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
ploddingnounUS /ˈplɑːdɪŋ/
hard monotonous routine work
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
the act of physically reaching or thrusting out
From this reading Reaching his home, he was met by his mother, who always awaited his coming, no matter how late he might be.
a period of the year marked by special events or activities in some field
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
a space reserved for sitting (as in a theater or on a train or airplane)
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
marked by exceptional merit
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
past form of “show” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
(photography) the act of assuming a certain position (as for a photograph or portrait)
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
a male human offspring
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
a mercantile establishment for the retail sale of goods or services
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
a set of data arranged in rows and columns
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
unusuallyadverbUS /əˈnjuːʒuːəli/
to a remarkable degree or extent
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading After kissing his mother and taking his seat at the table, he glanced around and asked: “Did father become tired of sitting up for me?”
having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
accept gladly
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
at the time that
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
which person or people
From this reading Dick showed such aptitude at figures that he often gave valuable aid to the bookkeeper, one of the old-fashioned, plodding kind, who found the expanding accounts too much for him to keep well in hand.
a framework of wood or metal that contains a glass windowpane and is built into a wall or roof to admit light or air
From this reading A light never failed to be shining from the window for the only son, and a warm welcome and a delicious meal were sure to greet him.
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading THE FOREST PATH Dick Halliard was kept unusually late at Mr. Hunter’s store that evening, for the busy season was approaching, when the merchant was obliged to ask for extra work at the hands of his employees.
