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 On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
clear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
dance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What has a little mouse to do with a Maypole dance?
danced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading What has a little mouse to do with a Maypole dance?
erected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
flowers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
flutteringverbUS /ˈflʌtərɪŋ/
moving with quick light beats or trembles
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
forest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
fragrant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading What has a little mouse to do with a Maypole dance?
height
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
herbs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
houses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
hung
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
Lads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
lakes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
large
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
lasses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What has a little mouse to do with a Maypole dance?
mainmast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
margin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
Maypole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
merry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
merry-making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
mice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
moonlight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
mouse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What has a little mouse to do with a Maypole dance?
musicians
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
OnprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
outdo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
pole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
reason
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
ribbons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
shipnounUS /ship/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
singing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
smelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
summer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
summit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
sunset
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
swans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
swimming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were as merry as ever at sunset and in the moonlight, but I took no part in the merry-making.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
violins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Lads and lasses danced round the pole, and tried to outdo the violins of the musicians with their singing.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What has a little mouse to do with a Maypole dance?
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
white
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
wood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
wreaths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the margin of the wood, near to three or four houses, a pole, as large as the mainmast of a ship, had been erected, and from the summit hung wreaths of flowers and fluttering ribbons; it was the Maypole.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading "It was the height of summer, which the mice told me was the reason that the forest smelt so strong, and that the herbs were so fragrant, and the lakes with the white swimming swans so dark, and yet so clear.
