Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading "Suffragan," he said, "I am making ready."
ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading THE TRIAL AND SENTENCE.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
Axe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
blunt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
creaturenounUS /ˈcreature/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
Execution
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From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
flew
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From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
foundnounUS /found/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
greatly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
grindstone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Suffragan," he said, "I am making ready."
heavy
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From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
Hill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
HisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑnɪst/
truthful and trustworthy
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
House
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
John
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
Lax
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Suffragan," he said, "I am making ready."
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
Museum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
peacefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
pleasednounUS /ˈpleased/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
polishing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
Porter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Suffragan," he said, "I am making ready."
repaired
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
reposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Suffragan," he said, "I am making ready."
SENTENCE
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From this reading THE TRIAL AND SENTENCE.
service
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
showered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
shown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
sleep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
snatching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
sparks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
Suffragan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Suffragan," he said, "I am making ready."
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE TRIAL AND SENTENCE.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
Tower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
treadle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
TRIAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE TRIAL AND SENTENCE.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
weapon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
wheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading His feet turned the treadle, and the wheel flew round, and the sparks showered from the blunt old weapon.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading When, after snatching three or four hours' sleep, I repaired to the House, I found that worthy creature polishing at a grindstone nothing less than a great, heavy Execution Axe, which had done service many times in the old, old days on Tower Hill, and had since peacefully reposed in the Museum.
zeal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I was greatly pleased with the honest zeal shown by John Lax, the Porter, on this occasion.
