used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
in addition
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
attendancenounUS /əˈtendəns/
the act of being present (at a meeting or event etc.)
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
band-night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
billiardsnounUS /ˈbɪljərdz/
any of several games played on rectangular cloth-covered table (with cushioned edges) in which long tapering cue sticks are used to propel ivory (or composition) balls
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
changingadjectiveUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒɪŋ/
marked by continuous change or effective action
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
cigarsnounUS /sɪˈɡɑːrz/
plural of “cigar” — a roll of tobacco for smoking
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
combinationnounUS /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃən/
a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
providing or experiencing physical well-being or relief (“comfy” is informal)
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
corridorsnounUS /ˈkɔːrɪdərz/
plural of “corridor” — an enclosed passageway; rooms usually open onto it
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
taking a series of rhythmical steps (and movements) in time to music
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
well in the past; former
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
lacking in light; not bright or harsh
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
dressing-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
driftedverbUS /ˈdrɪftəd/
past form of “drift” — be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
ensuringverbUS /enˈʃʊrɪŋ/
-ing form of “ensure” — make certain of
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
finishingnounUS /ˈfɪnɪʃɪŋ/
a decorative texture or appearance of a surface (or the substance that gives it that appearance)
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
plural of “garden” — a plot of ground where plants are cultivated
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
in a grave and sober manner
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
moving rapidly or performed quickly or in great haste
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
intentnounUS /ˌɪnˈtent/
an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
lounged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
mailnounUS /meɪl/
the bags of letters and packages that are transported by the postal service
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
memorialnounUS /məˈmɔːriəl/
a recognition of meritorious service
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
the force of workers available
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
the time after sunset and before sunrise while it is dark outside
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
nooksnounUS /nʊks/
plural of “nook” — a sheltered and secluded place
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
a visual representation (of an object or scene or person or abstraction) produced on a surface
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
pillarsnounUS /ˈpɪlərz/
plural of “pillar” — a fundamental principle or practice
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
the act of having and controlling property
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
people in general considered as a whole
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
reading-room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
a particular situation
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
slippersnounUS /ˈslɪpərz/
plural of “slipper” — low footwear that can be slipped on and off easily; usually worn indoors
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
statesmannounUS /ˈsteɪtsmən/
a man who is a respected leader in national or international affairs
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
deliver a sharp blow, as with the hand, fist, or weapon
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
tennisnounUS /ˈtenəs/
a game played with rackets by two or four players who hit a ball back and forth over a net that divides the court
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
in or at that place or location
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading But now English girls hurried through its dim corridors to the ladies' dressing-room, intent on changing tennis shoes for dancing slippers.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
inflected form of “take” — carry out
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
vestibulenounUS /ˈvestɪbjuːl/
a large entrance or reception room or area
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
the act of waiting (remaining inactive in one place while expecting something)
From this reading English boys lounged about the vestibule, finishing their cigars and waiting for the band to strike up.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
in or at the place that
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was band-night in the public gardens; mail night also; a combination of dancing and picture papers, ensuring a large attendance in the big hall, which had been built, gravely, as a memorial to some departed statesman.
whistnoun
a card game for four players who form two partnerships; a pack of 52 cards is dealt and each side scores one point for each trick it takes in excess of six
From this reading English men drifted to billiards and whist, or to their own special corner in the reading-room.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading English women took possession of the comfortable nooks between the pillars where there was room for two.
