used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
AboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
acquaintancesnounUS /əˈkweɪntənsɪz/
plural of “acquaintance” — personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
admiringverbUS /ædˈmaɪrɪŋ/
-ing form of “admire” — feel admiration for
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
(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 The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The old ladies played at cards.
round object that is hit or thrown or kicked in games
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
brigadenounUS /brəˈɡeɪd/
army unit smaller than a division
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
a game played with playing cards
From this reading The old ladies played at cards.
an occurrence of something
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
an artistic form of nonverbal communication
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
made known or openly avowed
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
departverbUS /dɪˈpɑːrt/
move away from a place into another direction
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
plural of “door” — a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
drainingadjectiveUS /ˈdreɪnɪŋ/
having a debilitating effect
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
apart from; not including
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
well known or easily recognized
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
gaietynoun
a gay feeling
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
United States computer entrepreneur whose software company made him the youngest multi-billionaire in the history of the United States (born in 1955)
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
plural of “gentleman” — a man of refinement
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
a brittle transparent solid with irregular atomic structure
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
a person who invites guests to a social event (such as a party in his or her own home) and who is responsible for them while they are there
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
plural of “lady” — a polite name for any woman
From this reading The old ladies played at cards.
go away from a place
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
past form of “lock” — fasten with a lock
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
the force of workers available
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
full of or showing high-spirited merriment
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
the time period between dawn and noon
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
immediately following in time or order
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
no person; not anyone
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
the property possessed by a sum or total or indefinite quantity of units or individuals
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
o'clockadverbUS /əˈklɑːk/
according to the clock
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The old ladies played at cards.
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
having a systematic arrangement; especially having elements succeeding in order according to rule
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
partnersnounUS /ˈpɑːrtnərz/
plural of “partner” — a person's partner in marriage
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
(of games) engaged in
From this reading The old ladies played at cards.
punchverbUS /pʌntʃ/
deliver a quick blow to
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
resounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
saloonnounUS /səˈluːn/
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
the cardinal number that is the sum of six and one
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
in the near future
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
stationedverbUS /ˈsteɪʃənd/
past form of “station” — assign to a station
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
suitableadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtəbəl/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
caused to fall to the ground
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
uhlans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Music soon resounded, the doors of the saloon were thrown open and the ball began.
in or at the place that
From this reading The gentlemen, as is always the case, except where a brigade of uhlans is stationed, were less in number than the ladies, and all the men, suitable for partners, were soon engaged for the dance.
past form of “wish” — hope for; have a wish
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
in the company of; together with
From this reading About seven o’clock in the evening, some of the guests wished to depart, but the host, merry with punch, ordered the gates to be locked, and declared that nobody should leave the house until the next morning.
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The host and his familiar acquaintances sat in a corner, draining glass after glass, and admiring the gaiety of the young people.
