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 “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Did you see Jumbo put him on his back?
bare-back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
big
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
BILLY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
box
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
caused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
clown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
corner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
DANGER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
darkest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
deep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
Didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading “Did you see Jumbo put him on his back?
dress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
followed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
FromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
goat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That big goat,” was the reply.
going
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
hearnounUS /hear/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
heard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
hiding-place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
Jumbo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Did you see Jumbo put him on his back?
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
laughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
Mike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
observe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
outlandish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
overheardnounUS /ˈoverheard/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
pause
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
performances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
performers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “Did you see Jumbo put him on his back?
remarks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
reply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “That big goat,” was the reply.
riding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
safe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
say
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
section
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
shouts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
shrink
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
smallest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
someonepronounUS /ˈsʌmwʌn/
a person, without saying who
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
space
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
startnounUS /start/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
talking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
tent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
trapeze
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
watch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading He had just about made up his mind that it was safe for him to start out again when he overheard some talking near at hand that caused him not only to pause, but to shrink into the smallest space he could in the darkest corner of his hiding-place.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading BILLY IN DANGER From his hiding-place in the big box, Billy could look into the section of the tent where the performances were now going on, could see the clown in his outlandish dress, hear the shouts of laughter that followed his remarks, observe the bare-back riding, and watch the trapeze performers.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “What are you looking for, Mike?” he heard someone say in a deep voice.
