used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
(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 “What’s all the rumpus here?”
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
an indentation of a shoreline larger than a cove but smaller than a gulf
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
plural of “bell” — a hollow device made of metal that makes a ringing sound when struck
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
a mountain or tall hill
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
changingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
marked by continuous change or effective action
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
clearingnounUS /ˈklɪrɪŋ/
a tract of land with few or no trees in the middle of a wooded area
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
the men and women who man a vehicle (ship, aircraft, etc.)
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
cutternounUS /ˈkʌtər/
someone who cuts or carves stone
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
DECIDESverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdz/
third-person singular of “decide” — reach, make, or come to a decision about something
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
the act of making up your mind about something
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
having the power of driving or impelling
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
-ing form of “glance” — throw a glance at; take a brief look at
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
having the deep slightly brownish color of gold
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
HADauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
detected or perceived by the sense of hearing
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is
From this reading “What’s all the rumpus here?”
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
and nothing more
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
of comparatively little physical weight or density
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
the force of workers available
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
a particular point in time
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
a form of address for a man
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
overjoyedadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈdʒɔɪd/
extremely joyful
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
past form of “pause” — interrupt temporarily an activity before continuing
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
with speed
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
rumpusnoun
the act of making a noisy disturbance
From this reading “What’s all the rumpus here?”
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
cut with a saw
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
express in words
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
SheriffnounUS /ˈʃerəf/
the principal law-enforcement officer in a county
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
sleighnounUS /sleɪ/
a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
spiritedadjectiveUS /ˈspɪrɪtɪd/
displaying animation, vigor, or liveliness
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
past form of “start” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
(of a nose) blocked
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
Switzer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Mr. Golden was driving and by his side sat Sheriff Switzer.
the act of someone who picks up or takes something
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading BIG BEN DECIDES THAT HE HAD BETTER NOT.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
moved around an axis or center
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
the act of changing or reversing the direction of the course
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading As Big Ben saw the two men he started toward his crew, but, evidently changing his mind, he stopped after taking a few steps, and turned back.
undecidedadjectiveUS /ˌʌndɪˈsaɪdɪd/
not brought to a conclusion; subject to further thought
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For a moment Big Ben paused as if undecided what to say, and before he could come to a decision the sound of sleigh bells was heard, and, glancing quickly around, the boys were overjoyed to see their father just turning into the clearing in a light cutter drawn by a spirited bay.
What's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What’s all the rumpus here?”
