used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
(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 So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
the event consisting of the start of something
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
boot-heels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
small room on a ship or boat where people sleep
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
celebrationnounUS /ˌseləˈbreɪʃən/
a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
CelebrationsnounUS /ˌseləˈbreɪʃənz/
plural of “celebration” — a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
From this reading Celebrations were never good for Martha.
a pair who associate with one another
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
cowpunchers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
curryingverbUS /ˈkɜːriɪŋ/
-ing form of “curry” — season with a mixture of spices; typical of Indian cooking
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
the time during which someone's life continues
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
the property created by the space between two objects or points
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
elaborateadjectiveUS /ɪˈlæbrət/
marked by complexity and richness of detail
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
apart from; not including
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
flivvers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
following the third position; number four in a countable series
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
the act of departing
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading Celebrations were never good for Martha.
gunpowdernounUS /ˈɡʌnpaʊdər/
a mixture of potassium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur in a 75:15:10 ratio which is used in gunnery, time fuses, and fireworks
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
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 Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
ten 10s
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
ironingnounUS /ˈaɪərnɪŋ/
garments (clothes or linens) that are to be (or have been) ironed
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
the month following June and preceding August
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
Martha
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
by chance
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
mountsnounUS /maʊnts/
plural of “mount” — a lightweight horse kept for riding only
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
the middle of the day
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
outfitnounUS /ˈaʊtfɪt/
any cohesive unit such as a military company
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
ovennounUS /ˈʌvən/
kitchen appliance used for baking or roasting
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
preparationsnounUS /ˌprepərˈeɪʃənz/
plural of “preparation” — the activity of putting or setting in order in advance of some act or purpose
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
ranchnounUS /ræntʃ/
farm consisting of a large tract of land along with facilities needed to raise livestock (especially cattle)
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
rodeonounUS /ˈroʊdioʊ/
an exhibition of cowboy skills
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
a guided missile fired from land or shipboard against an airborne target
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
showing reason or sound judgment
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
past form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
Telko
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
in or at that place or location
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
tinkeringverbUS /ˈtɪŋkərɪŋ/
-ing form of “tinker” — do random, unplanned work or activities or spend time idly
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
hard to endure
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
precisely as stated
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
washingnounUS /ˈwɑːʃɪŋ/
the work of cleansing (usually with soap and water)
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading So all the outfit that was on the ranch—never very many in July—were tinkering with their flivvers, and currying their mounts, and building up their boot-heels, and washing and ironing, and making elaborate preparations to attend.
at the time that
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Sam suggested at noon on the second of July, while we were at dinner, that maybe all of us would like to go; all, that is, except Martha and himself.
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Cabin For three days, beginning with the fourth of July, there was to be a big celebration and rodeo at Telko.
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Trying to keep cowpunchers on the ranch, when there was a celebration of any sort going on within a distance of a couple of hundred miles, would be about as sensible as trying to keep gunpowder in a hot oven.
