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 The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
aboard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
aide-de-camp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
apparently
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From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
April
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
Aspinwall
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From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
big
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
boats
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From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
careworn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
centernounUS /ˈsɛn.tər/
The middle point or core of an area.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
charging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
commanding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
composition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
continent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
crowded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
curiosity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
decidedly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
delicate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
distantadjectiveUS /ˈdɪstənt/
not friendly or close
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
dollar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
East
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
escorted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
expressverbUS /ɪkˈspres/
to show or communicate a feeling or idea
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
friend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
gone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
Hill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
June
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
letter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
list
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
mail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
Maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
mourning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
operation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
Pacific
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
Panama
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
passenger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
People
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
Platte
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
pony
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
pretty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
railway
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
rapid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
sad-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
sailed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
semaphore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
senior
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
shown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
sidewheel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
signaling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
Sonora
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
stateroom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
steamers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
stretching
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
Telegraph
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
ten
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
towardprepositionUS /təˈwɔːrd/
in the direction of
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
transcontinental
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
transit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
twelve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
valley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
well-nigh
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading April had gone, and May and June was well-nigh half over.
Wells-Fargo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The transcontinental railway was stretching out up the valley of the Platte toward the center of the continent, but Wells-Fargo, and the pony express charging a dollar a letter, were the only transcontinental rapid transit of the day.
widow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
woman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
women
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
wornverbUS /wɔːrn/
Damaged or thinned by continuous use.
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The old semaphore of Telegraph Hill would have worn itself out signaling sidewheel steamers had it still been in operation.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading People still went to and from the distant East by way of Aspinwall and Panama, and the big boats of the Pacific mail were crowded, going or coming; and one bright June day two women in mourning were escorted aboard the Sonora and shown to their little stateroom, one a decidedly pretty girl, the other a sad-faced, careworn, delicate looking widow, ten or twelve years apparently the senior.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
younger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They sailed with only one friend to see them off, an aide-de-camp of the commanding general, yet not without much curiosity on part of the younger woman as to the composition of the passenger list.
