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 A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
action
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
anchor-boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
anchors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
apparatus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
Birkenhead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
bubbled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
captainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
case
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
chains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
clock-towers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
deferred
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
departure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
depths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
descend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
eased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
Eastern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
ebb-tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
enormous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
failure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
foot-bridge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
gratings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
hatchings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
intended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
lieutenant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
moment
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
move
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
paddle-wheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
paddles
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
pilot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
placed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
quarter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
resumednounUS /ˈresumed/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
river
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
screw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
screw-signal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
sounded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
steam-engine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
steersmen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
stern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
strucknounUS /struck/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
tenacious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
tide
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A quarter past one sounded from the Birkenhead clock-towers, the moment of departure could not be deferred, if it was intended to make use of the tide.
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The “Great Eastern,” making head against the current, was now only waiting to descend the river with the ebb-tide.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
watched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The order for departure was given, the paddles slowly struck the water, the screw bubbled at the stern, and the enormous vessel began to move.
weighing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
wheels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The captain and pilot went on the foot-bridge; one lieutenant placed himself near the screw-signal apparatus, another near that of the paddle-wheel, in case of the failure of the steam-engine; four other steersmen watched at the stern, ready to put in action the great wheels placed on the gratings of the hatchings.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The work of weighing anchors was resumed; with the help of the anchor-boat the chains were eased, and the anchors at last left their tenacious depths.
