used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
anew
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
a room or establishment where alcoholic drinks are served over a counter
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
bath-houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
bathersnounUS /ˈbeɪðərz/
plural of “bather” — a person who travels through the water by swimming
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
an area of sand sloping down to the water of a sea or lake
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
on the far side of; further than
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
bobbed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
boiledadjectiveUS /bɔɪld/
cooked in hot water
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
bubblesnounUS /ˈbʌbəlz/
plural of “bubble” — a hollow globule of gas (e.g., air or carbon dioxide)
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
businesslikeadjectiveUS /ˈbɪznɪslaɪk/
exhibiting methodical and systematic characteristics that would be useful in business
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
combernounUS /ˈkoʊmər/
a person who separates and straightens the fibers of cotton or wool
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
contentmentnounUS /kənˈtentmənt/
happiness with one's situation in life
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
directnessnounUS /dərˈektnəs/
trueness of course toward a goal
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
separated in space or coming from or going to a distance
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
being or moving lower in position or less in some value
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
past form of “fail” — fail to do something; leave something undone
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
floatverbUS /floʊt/
be in motion due to some air or water current
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
haltingadjectiveUS /ˈhɔːltɪŋ/
disabled in the feet or legs
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
hardieradjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrdiər/
comparative of “hardy” — having rugged physical strength; inured to fatigue or hardships
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
a building where travelers can pay for lodging and meals and other services
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
howlingnounUS /ˈhaʊlɪŋ/
a long loud emotional utterance
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
in-sucking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
insidiousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪdiːəs/
beguiling but harmful
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
inspectverbUS /ˌɪnˈspekt/
look over carefully
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
held up in the air
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
prefer or wish to do something
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
engage in
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
mildadjectiveUS /maɪld/
moderate in type or degree or effect or force; far from extreme
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
and nothing more
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
onwardadverbUS /ˈɔːnwərd/
forward in time or order or degree
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
outgoingadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtɡoʊɪŋ/
leaving a place or a position
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
relating to or being on or near the outer side or limit
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
outwardadjectiveUS /ˈaʊtwərd/
relating to physical reality rather than with thoughts or the mind
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
reservationnounUS /ˌrezərˈveɪʃən/
a district that is reserved for particular purpose
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
any of many shrubs of the genus Rosa that bear roses
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
a loose material consisting of grains of rock or coral
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
sandsnounUS /sændz/
the region of the shore of a lake or sea or ocean
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
shapedadjectiveUS /ʃeɪpt/
shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
being or characteristic of a single thing or person
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
spume-crowned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
streamingadjectiveUS /ˈstriːmɪŋ/
exuding a bodily fluid in profuse amounts
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
strokesnounUS /stroʊks/
plural of “stroke” — (sports) the act of swinging or striking at a ball with a club or racket or bat or cue or hand
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
strolledverbUS /stroʊld/
past form of “stroll” — walk leisurely and with no apparent aim
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
sullenlyadverb
in a sullen manner
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
surfnounUS /sɜːrf/
waves breaking on the shore
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
swimmernounUS /ˈswɪmər/
a trained athlete who participates in swimming meets
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
swimmersnounUS /ˈswɪmərz/
plural of “swimmer” — a trained athlete who participates in swimming meets
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
swimmingnounUS /ˈswɪmɪŋ/
the act of swimming
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
in or at that place or location
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
tugverbUS /tʌɡ/
pull hard
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
undertownounUS /ˈʌndərtoʊ/
an inclination contrary to the strongest or prevailing feeling
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
unhurriedadjectiveUS /ənˈhɜːrid/
relaxed and leisurely; without hurry or haste
From this reading One head only bobbed far out as a single swimmer shaped his course in unhurried strokes toward the bar.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading There was a businesslike directness in the way he kept onward and outward until a comber lifted him and his swimming had begun.
inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically
From this reading Outside the bar the surf boiled in spume-crowned, and went out again sullenly howling an in-sucking of sands and an insidious tug of undertow.
a Caucasian
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
which person or people
From this reading The sand bar rose like a white island beyond the mild surf of the shore, distant enough to make it a reservation for those hardier swimmers who failed to find contentment between beach and float.
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading This swimmer had come alone from the hotel bath-houses and had strolled down into the streaming bubbles of an outgoing wave without halting to inspect the other bathers.
