used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
actorsnounUS /ˈæktərz/
plural of “actor” — a theatrical performer
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
at or in the front
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
a mixture of gases (especially oxygen) required for breathing; the stuff that the wind consists of
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
a youthful male person
From this reading “We’ve done it, Twiddel, my boy!” said the one.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
ChannelnounUS /ˈtʃænəl/
a path over which electrical signals can pass
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
cheerfullyadverbUS /ˈtʃɪrfəli/
in a cheerful manner
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
climaxnounUS /ˈklaɪmæks/
the highest point of anything conceived of as growing or developing or unfolding
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
comedynounUS /ˈkɑːmədi/
light and humorous drama with a happy ending
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
having finished or arrived at completion
From this reading “We’ve done it, Twiddel, my boy!” said the one.
DovernounUS /ˈdoʊvər/
the capital of the state of Delaware
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
cause to move by pulling
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
enginenounUS /ˈendʒən/
motor that converts thermal energy to mechanical work
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
give expression to
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
first-classadjectiveUS /ˌfɜːrstˈklæs/
very good; of the highest quality
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
glowwormnoun
the luminous larva or wingless grub-like female of a firefly
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
expect, believe, or suppose
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
only a very short time before
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
any place of complete bliss and delight and peace
From this reading “Thank Heaven!” replied the other.
plural of “house” — a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
hurryingadjectiveUS /ˈhɜːriɪŋ/
moving with great haste
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
past form of “look” — perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading “We’ve done it, Twiddel, my boy!” said the one.
nearingverbUS /ˈnɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “near” — move towards
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
being directly across from each other; facing
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading “Thank Heaven!” replied the other.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
pistonnounUS /ˈpɪstən/
United States neoclassical composer (1894-1976)
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading “Thank Heaven!” replied the other.
make a loud noise, as of wind, water, or vehicles
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
with safety; in a safe manner
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “We’ve done it, Twiddel, my boy!” said the one.
cut with a saw
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
express gratitude or show appreciation to
From this reading “Thank Heaven!” replied the other.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading From the opposite sides of a first-class carriage these two looked cheerfully at one another.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
thumpverbUS /θʌmp/
move rhythmically
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
create by training and teaching
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
triumphaladjectiveUS /traɪˈʌmfəl/
relating to or celebrating a triumph
From this reading The Channel was safely behind them, London was close ahead, and the piston of the engine seemed to thump a triumphal air.
Twiddel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “We’ve done it, Twiddel, my boy!” said the one.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
waysidenounUS /ˈweɪsaɪd/
edge of a way or road or path
From this reading The Dover express was nearing town: evening had begun to draw in, and from the wayside houses people saw the train roar by like a huge glowworm; but they could hardly guess that it was hurrying two real actors to the climax of a real comedy.
We've
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “We’ve done it, Twiddel, my boy!” said the one.
