used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
(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 All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
with anxiety or apprehension
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
applaudingverbUS /əˈplɔːdɪŋ/
-ing form of “applaud” — clap one's hands or shout after performances to indicate approval
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading The chief clown ran distractedly around both rings.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
balkyadjectiveUS /ˈbɔːki/
stopping short and refusing to go on
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
a short stout club used primarily by policemen
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
bonnets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
the two together, not just one
From this reading The chief clown ran distractedly around both rings.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
a person who is in charge
From this reading The chief clown ran distractedly around both rings.
CircusnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəs/
a travelling company of entertainers; including trained animals
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
clownnounUS /klaʊn/
a rude or vulgar fool
From this reading The chief clown ran distractedly around both rings.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
distractedlyadverb
in a distracted manner
From this reading The chief clown ran distractedly around both rings.
dizzilyadverb
in a giddy light-headed manner
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
donkeynounUS /ˈdɑːŋki/
the symbol of the Democratic Party; introduced in cartoons by Thomas Nast in 1874
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
elephantnounUS /ˈeləfənt/
five-toed pachyderm
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
divisible by two
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
Glicko
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
grumbledverbUS /ˈɡrʌmbəld/
past form of “grumble” — show one's unhappiness or critical attitude
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
half-heartedlyadverb
without enthusiasm; in a half-hearted manner
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
relating to or being on the side closer to the center or within a defined space
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
undertake a journey or trip
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
immediately past
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
past form of “leap” — move forward by leaps and bounds
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
MothersnounUS /ˈmʌðərz/
plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
and nothing more
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
peltingnounUS /ˈpeltɪŋ/
anything happening rapidly or in quick successive
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
pretendedadjectiveUS /priˈtendɪd/
adopted in order to deceive
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
water falling in drops from vapor condensed in the atmosphere
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
rainingadjectiveUS /ˈreɪnɪŋ/
falling in drops or as if falling like rain
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading The chief clown ran distractedly around both rings.
inflected form of “ring” — sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
restlesslyadverbUS /ˈrestləsli/
in a restless manner
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
sound loudly and sonorously
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
ringsnounUS /rɪŋz/
gymnastic apparatus consisting of a pair of heavy metal circles (usually covered with leather) suspended by ropes; used for gymnastic exercises
From this reading The chief clown ran distractedly around both rings.
seatsnounUS /siːts/
an area that includes places where several people can sit
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
plural of “sister” — a female person who has the same parents as another person
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
splashesnounUS /ˈsplæʃɪz/
plural of “splash” — the sound like water splashing
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
the season of growth
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
Maintained an upright posture.
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
stuffyadjectiveUS /ˈstʌfi/
lacking fresh air
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
Stumptown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
happening without warning or in a short space of time
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
inflected form of “swing” — move in a curve or arc, usually with the intent of hitting
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
the process of using your mind to consider something carefully
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
the upper part of anything
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
trapezes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
past form of “walk” — use one's feet to advance; advance by steps
From this reading He stood on his head, he walked on his hands, he leaped over the elephant, he pretended he was a balky donkey.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Magic at the Circus It was raining outside, it was hot and stuffy inside and it was the last day of the circus in Stumptown.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
covered or soaked with a liquid such as water
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
at the time that
From this reading All over the big tent people moved about restlessly on the hard seats, and grumbled when sudden splashes of rain came pelting through the tent top.
worryingnounUS /ˈwɜːriɪŋ/
the act of harassing someone
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading Mothers were thinking anxiously of the wet journey home, young ladies were worrying about their spring bonnets, and even the boys and girls were only applauding half-heartedly as old Billy, the elephant, rang dinner bells in one ring and the Glicko sisters swung dizzily from trapezes in the other.
