used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
farther along in physical or mental development
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
(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 In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “Violets are prettier and smell nicer.
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
blossomsnounUS /ˈblɑːsəmz/
plural of “blossom” — reproductive organ of angiosperm plants especially one having showy or colorful parts
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
borderedadjectiveUS /ˈbɔːrdərd/
having a border especially of a specified kind; sometimes used as a combining term
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
the two together, not just one
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
bouquetnounUS /buːˈkeɪ/
an arrangement of flowers that is usually given as a present
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
Buddie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
a line leading to a place or point
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
driedadjectiveUS /draɪd/
not still wet
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
one or the other of two
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
Enchanter'snounUS /enˈtʃæntərz/
possessive form of “enchanter” — a sorcerer or magician
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
past form of “enter” — to come or go into
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
to a considerable degree; very much
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
firsnounUS /fɜːrz/
plural of “fir” — nonresinous wood of a fir tree
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
flooredadjectiveUS /flɔːrd/
provided with a floor
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
a plant cultivated for its blooms or blossoms
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
plural of “girl” — a young female
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
in a gradual manner
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
highwaynounUS /ˈhaɪweɪ/
a major road for any form of motor transport
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
LAMBnounUS /læm/
young sheep
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
lumbermen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
produced by a manufacturing process
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
MARY'SnounUS /ˈmeriz/
possessive form of “mary” — the mother of Jesus; Christians refer to her as the Virgin Mary; she is especially honored by Roman Catholics
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
mossnounUS /mɔːs/
tiny leafy-stemmed flowerless plants
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
not ever; at no time in the past or future
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
niceradjectiveUS /ˈnaɪsər/
comparative of “nice” — pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance
From this reading “Violets are prettier and smell nicer.
NightshadenounUS /ˈnaɪtʃeɪd/
any of numerous shrubs or herbs or vines of the genus Solanum; most are poisonous though many bear edible fruit
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
not any; not one
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
pickingnounUS /ˈpɪkɪŋ/
the quantity of a crop that is harvested
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
prettieradjectiveUS /ˈprɪtiər/
comparative of “pretty” — pleasing by delicacy or grace; not imposing
From this reading “Violets are prettier and smell nicer.
inflected form of “run” — move fast by using one's feet, with one foot off the ground at any given time
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
on the contrary
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
an open way (generally public) for travel or transportation
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
being the one previously mentioned or spoken of
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
not often
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
the sensation that results when olfactory receptors in the nose are stimulated by particular chemicals in gaseous form
From this reading “Violets are prettier and smell nicer.
having a surface free from roughness or bumps or ridges or irregularities
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
the season of growth
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
springyadjective
elastic; rebounds readily
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
successive (without a break)
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
(of muscles) relieved of stiffness by stretching
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
swampverbUS /swɑːmp/
drench or submerge or be drenched or submerged
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
in or at that place or location
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
from one end or side of something to the other
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/
depleted of strength or energy
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
employed in accomplishing something
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/
a collection containing a variety of sorts of things
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
precisely as stated
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
violetsnounUS /ˈvaɪələts/
plural of “violet” — any of numerous low-growing violas with small flowers
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
welcomedverbUS /ˈwelkəmd/
past form of “welcome” — accept gladly
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
a Caucasian
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
which person or people
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
having great (or a certain) extent from one side to the other
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
the coldest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the winter solstice to the vernal equinox
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
hope for; have a wish
From this reading “I wish these were violets,” she said, picking another bouquet.
in the company of; together with
From this reading “MARY’S LITTLE LAMB” As far as Buddie could see in either direction stretched a wide, straight road, bordered with small firs and floored with springy moss.
the hard fibrous lignified substance under the bark of trees
From this reading In winter this road, which had been made by lumbermen, was smooth and level; in the spring it was all water, for it ran through a swamp; but as summer advanced it gradually dried out and made a very pleasant highway for little girls, who seldom or never came there, and for the people of the wood, who used it a great deal.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Both sides of the road were white with the blossoms of Enchanter’s Nightshade; but as Buddie had seen no other flower since she entered the wood, she had grown rather tired of it, and would have welcomed a little variety.
