used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
Queen of England and Scotland and Ireland; daughter if James II and the last of the Stuart monarchs; in 1707 she was the last English ruler to exercise the royal veto over parliament (1665-1714)
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
in or to or toward a former location
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
Betty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
plural of “chance” — a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
Clarice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
separate with or as if with an instrument
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
decidedlyadverbUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdədli/
without question and beyond doubt
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
drawledverbUS /drɔːld/
past form of “drawl” — lengthen and slow down or draw out
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
dryingverbUS /ˈdraɪɪŋ/
-ing form of “dry” — remove the moisture from and make dry
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
examnounUS /ɪɡˈzæm/
a set of questions or exercises evaluating skill or knowledge
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
FrancesnounUS /ˈfrænsɪs/
plural of “france” — a republic in western Europe; the largest country wholly in Europe
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
the act of departing
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
a covering for the body (or parts of it) consisting of a dense growth of threadlike structures (as on the human head); helps to prevent heat loss
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
hireverbUS /ˈhaɪər/
engage or hire for work
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
past form of “inquire” — address a question to and expect an answer from
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
Katharine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
having or demonstrating ability to recognize or draw fine distinctions
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
immediately past
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
a female domestic
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
mer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
not one, and not any
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
used with “to” to say what is right or advisable
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
Patricia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
perching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
poppingnounUS /ˈpɑːpɪŋ/
a sharp explosive sound as from a gunshot or drawing a cork
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
a structure attached to the exterior of a building often forming a covered entrance
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
preparatoryadjectiveUS /prɪˈperətɔːri/
preceding and preparing for something
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
railingnounUS /ˈreɪlɪŋ/
a barrier consisting of a horizontal bar and supports
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
in accordance with fixed order or procedure or principle
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
inflected form of “reply” — react verbally
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
sleepilyadverbUS /ˈsliːpəli/
in a sleepy manner
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
a flight of stairs or a flight of steps
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
strungadjectiveUS /strʌŋ/
that is on a string
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
sunnyadjectiveUS /ˈsʌni/
bright and pleasant; promoting a feeling of cheer
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
swimverbUS /swɪm/
travel through water
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
swimmingnounUS /ˈswɪmɪŋ/
the act of swimming
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
the upper part of anything
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
an urban area with a fixed boundary that is smaller than a city
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
make an effort or attempt
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
TuesdaynounUS /ˈtuːzdi/
the third day of the week; the second working day
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
two times
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “None of us were keen enough about that swimming exam to be looking for chances to try it twice,” replied Katharine decidedly.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was Saturday morning.
clean by virtue of having been washed in water
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Patricia, Anne, Frances, Katharine, and Betty had washed their hair, and were strung along the sunny top steps drying it, preparatory to going to town for a wave.
a unit of language that native speakers can identify
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
yawnverbUS /jɔːn/
utter a yawn, as from lack of oxygen or when one is tired
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Could I hire any of you ladies to swim for me next Tuesday?” inquired Clarice, popping out of the back door and perching on the porch railing.
you're
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “You ought not to mind it,” drawled Anne sleepily; “you’re a regular mer—maid,” her last word cut short by a huge yawn.
