used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
(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 They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
elected vice president and became 21st President of the United States when Garfield was assassinated (1830-1886)
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
past form of “ask” — make a request or demand for something to somebody
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
awfuladjectiveUS /ˈɑːfəl/
exceptionally bad or displeasing
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
boilverbUS /bɔɪl/
come to the boiling point and change from a liquid to vapor
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
a slight wind (usually refreshing)
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
lacking funds
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
plural of “creature” — a living organism characterized by voluntary movement
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
a small open container usually used for drinking; usually has a handle
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading "I don't see that the vote will do much."
don't
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I don't see that the vote will do much."
gleam or glow intermittently
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
set up or found
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
the act of acquiring something
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
hesitatingadjectiveUS /ˈhezəteɪtɪŋ/
lacking decisiveness of character; unable to act or decide quickly or firmly
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I don't see that the vote will do much."
idlyadverbUS /ˈaɪdli/
in an idle manner
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
inletnounUS /ˈɪnlet/
an arm off of a larger body of water (often between rocky headlands)
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
jailnounUS /dʒeɪl/
a correctional institution used to detain persons who are in the lawful custody of the government (either accused persons awaiting trial or convicted persons serving a sentence)
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
kettlenounUS /ˈketəl/
a metal pot for stewing or boiling; usually has a lid
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
Lakeville
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
plural of “leaf” — the main organ of photosynthesis and transpiration in higher plants
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
past form of “listen” — hear with intention
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
motoredadjective
equipped with a motor or motors
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
to a great degree or extent
From this reading "I don't see that the vote will do much."
not one thing; not anything
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
plural of “plan” — a series of steps to be carried out or goals to be accomplished
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
deserving or inciting pity
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
a correctional institution where persons are confined while on trial or for punishment
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
reformnounUS /rəˈfɔːrm/
a change for the better as a result of correcting abuses
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
the seventh and last day of the week; observed as the Sabbath by Jews and some Christians
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
SeptembernounUS /sepˈtembər/
the month following August and preceding October
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
sereneadjectiveUS /sərˈiːn/
not agitated; without losing self-possession
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
without speaking
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
silveryadjectiveUS /ˈsɪlvəri/
resembling or reminiscent of silver
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
be seated
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
the atmosphere and outer space as viewed from the earth
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
stretchverbUS /stretʃ/
occupy a large, elongated area
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
happening unexpectedly
From this reading Weston listened silently to her plans for "getting busy" with prison reform--when she suddenly broke off:
an exchange of ideas via conversation
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
a beverage made by steeping tea leaves in water
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
express in words
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "I don't see that the vote will do much."
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
in or at that place or location
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
change orientation or direction, also in the abstract sense
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
votenounUS /voʊt/
a choice that is made by counting the number of people in favor of each alternative
From this reading "I don't see that the vote will do much."
past form of “wait” — stay in one place and anticipate or expect something
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
walledverbUS /wɔːld/
past form of “wall” — surround with a wall in order to fortify
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
past form of “wander” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
the act of observing; taking a patient look
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
plural of “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 He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
WestonnounUS /ˈwestən/
United States photographer(1886-1958)
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
at the time that
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
in or at the place that
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading "I don't see that the vote will do much."
willownounUS /ˈwɪloʊ/
any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
From this reading They sat there, talking idly, and watching the willow leaves turn all their silvery backs to a hesitating breeze.
willowsnounUS /ˈwɪloʊz/
plural of “willow” — any of numerous deciduous trees and shrubs of the genus Salix
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
in the company of; together with
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)
From this reading It was late in September, when she asked Arthur Weston to tell her how she could help "those awful women,"--as she called the poor creatures she had seen in jail.
wrinklingverbUS /ˈrɪŋkəlɪŋ/
-ing form of “wrinkle” — gather or contract into wrinkles or folds; pucker
From this reading He had motored out to Lakeville for a cup of tea, and while they waited for the kettle to boil, they wandered off along the shore of the lake, and found a little inlet walled with willows, where they could sit on the beach and see nothing but the wrinkling flash of waves and a serene stretch of sky.
