Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
balcony
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading He seemed to be the manager of the entertainment.
bridal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
burst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
constantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
covered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
descendednounUS /ˈdescended/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
drums
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
effeminate-looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
entertainment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to be the manager of the entertainment.
fairnounUS /fair/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
festal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
flowers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
flung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
formed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
golden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
greeted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
groups
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He seemed to be the manager of the entertainment.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
hurried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
Instantly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
ivory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
land
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
locks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
lofty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
loud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
manager
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to be the manager of the entertainment.
MeanwhilenounUS /ˈmeanwhile/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
moored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
music
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
pair
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
pipes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
platforms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
procession
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
prows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
reached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
rich
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
rugs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
scattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He seemed to be the manager of the entertainment.
serpents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
ships
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
shoes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
side
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
similar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
Slaves
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
somewhat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
spectators
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
staff
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
stairs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
step-ladders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
steps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Instantly all flung from their lofty prows step-ladders, covered with rich rugs.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
twined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
Vandal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
waving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Slaves scattered flowers over the stairs, down which the bridal pair and their guests now descended to the land, while, at the same moment, by similar steps the spectators descended from the platforms.
winged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Meanwhile the ships had reached the shore: they were moored in a broad front, side by side, greeted with a loud burst of music from pipes and drums in the balcony.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The two groups now formed in a festal procession upon the shore, A handsome though somewhat effeminate-looking young Vandal, with a winged hat on his fair locks and winged shoes on his feet, hurried constantly to and fro, waving an ivory staff twined with golden serpents.