used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
a record or narrative description of past events
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
past form of “approach” — move towards
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
sloping land (especially the slope beside a body of water)
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
BATTERINGnounUS /ˈbætərɪŋ/
the act of subjecting to strong attack
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
Bob'snounUS /bɑːbz/
possessive form of “bob” — a former monetary unit in Great Britain
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
plural of “boy” — a youthful male person
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
briskadjectiveUS /brɪsk/
quick and energetic
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
inflected form of “bring” — take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
obtain by purchase; acquire by means of a financial transaction
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
a motor vehicle with four wheels; usually propelled by an internal combustion engine
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
cheapadjectiveUS /tʃiːp/
relatively low in price or charging low prices
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
cigarettesnounUS /ˌsɪɡərˈets/
plural of “cigarette” — finely ground tobacco wrapped in paper; for smoking
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
croniesnounUS /ˈkroʊniz/
plural of “crony” — a close friend who accompanies his buddies in their activities
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
dilapidatedadjectiveUS /dəˈlæpədeɪtɪd/
in deplorable condition
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
a feeling of excitement
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
erectedverbUS /ɪˈrektəd/
past form of “erect” — construct, build, or erect
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
a social unit living together
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
set up or found
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
to or at a greater extent or degree or a more advanced stage (“further” is used more often than “farther” in this abstract sense)
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
gangnounUS /ɡæŋ/
an association of criminals
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
goalnounUS /ɡoʊl/
the state of affairs that a plan is intended to achieve and that (when achieved) terminates behavior intended to achieve it
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
idealadjectiveUS /aɪˈdiːl/
conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence; embodying an ideal
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
inhabitedadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈhæbətəd/
having inhabitants; lived in
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
Jimmy'snounUS /ˈdʒɪmiz/
possessive form of “jimmy” — a short crowbar
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/
above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
the act that results in something coming to be
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
come together
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
a written account of what transpired at a meeting
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
reckless or malicious behavior that causes discomfort or annoyance in others
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
a particular point in time
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
Mooney
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
nearedverbUS /nɪrd/
past form of “near” — move towards
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
noiselesslyadverb
without a sound
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
outrunverbUS /aʊˈtrʌn/
run faster than
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
have the will and intention to carry out some action
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
plotnounUS /plɑːt/
a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
capable of happening or existing
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
radionounUS /ˈreɪdioʊ/
medium for communication
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
the back of a military formation or procession
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
put into a certain place or abstract location
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
shacknounUS /ʃæk/
small crude shelter used as a dwelling
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
plural of “shadow” — shade within clear boundaries
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
a cloud of fine particles suspended in a gas
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
a male human offspring
From this reading He had never been able to buy a car to put in the building, and his son and his cronies had found it an ideal place to meet, smoke cheap cigarettes, and plot mischief.
inflected form of “steal” — take without the owner's consent
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
carry out
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
the cardinal number that is the sum of nine and one; the base of the decimal system
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As they neared this shack, the radio boys kept in the shadows and approached noiselessly, it being Bob's plan to take the gang by surprise, if possible.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
close enough to be walked to
From this reading BATTERING IN THE DOOR Ten minutes of brisk walking brought the radio boys to their goal.
desired or wished for or sought
From this reading Besides, he wanted to be absolutely sure that Jimmy's stolen set was in the building before making any further move.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
at the time that
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading The Mooney family inhabited a large but dilapidated house, in the rear of which was the small building that the head of the Mooney family had erected in a moment when his enthusiasm had far outrun his bank account.
