used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
inflected form of “awake” — stop sleeping
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
biddingnounUS /ˈbɪdɪŋ/
an authoritative direction or instruction to do something
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
possessing or displaying courage; able to face and deal with danger or fear without flinching
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
cellarnounUS /ˈselər/
the lowermost portion of a structure partly or wholly below ground level; often used for storage
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
involving or causing danger or risk; liable to hurt or harm
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
absence of light or illumination
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
dressed or clothed especially in fine attire; often used in combination
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/
at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
divisible by two
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
plural of “foot” — the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
enclose with a fence
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
a diagram or picture illustrating textual material
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
fitfuladjectiveUS /ˈfɪtfəl/
occurring in spells and often abruptly
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
the side that is forward or prominent
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
containing as much or as many as is possible or normal
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
gangnounUS /ɡæŋ/
an association of criminals
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
good-byenounUS /ɡɪdˈbaɪ/
a farewell remark
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
to a considerable degree
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
Hegarty's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
where you live at a particular time
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
a period of time assigned for work
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
without delay or hesitation; with no time intervening
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
a room or building equipped with one or more toilets
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
engage in
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
consisting of a haphazard assortment of different kinds
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
Nevens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
not one, and not any
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
established beyond doubt
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
prowlingverbUS /ˈpraʊlɪŋ/
-ing form of “prowl” — move about in or as if in a predatory manner
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
the act of pursuing in an effort to overtake or capture
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
a rational motive for a belief or action
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
restlessadjectiveUS /ˈrestləs/
worried and uneasy
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
(of fluids) moving or issuing in a stream
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
Sandborn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
sidewalknounUS /ˈsaɪdwɔːk/
walk consisting of a paved area for pedestrians; usually beside a street or roadway
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
a natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
a thing, without saying which
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
plural of “sound” — the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
Stan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
StanleynounUS /ˈstænli/
United States inventor who built a steam-powered automobile (1849-1918)
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
not in physical motion
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Hegarty’s Plans After a restless day at home and an even more restless night of fitful sleep, both Stanley Sandborn and John awoke and dressed in the still dark early morning hours.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
vaultedadjectiveUS /ˈvɔːltɪd/
having a hemispherical vault or dome
From this reading His reason proved sound for, as he vaulted the back fence he could make out, in the darkness, the figure of a man prowling the front sidewalk.
precisely as stated
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading After bidding his brave mother good-bye, for she knew that the boys were mixed up in a dangerous adventure, Stan left by the cellar door for a very good reason.
which person or people
From this reading The stranger, who could be none other than a member of the Nevens gang, was in full pursuit!
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading As luck would have it, Stan fell heavily over something in the dark, and instantly he heard the sounds of running feet!
