Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/
higher than, or over, something
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
adornments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/
following the length of something from one end toward the other
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/
surrounded by; in the middle of a group
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
appearancenounUS /ˈappearance/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
AtprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
attendant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
audible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
balcony
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
bays
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
besideprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪd/
next to; at the side of
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
bodynounUS /body/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
burning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
bustling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
calls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
came
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
caps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
cardinal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
ceiling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
children
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
continuous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
coverings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
curtain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
des
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
desks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
dimly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
domed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
dress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
empty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
enveloped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
females
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
flew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
footlights
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
front
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
gallery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
gaslight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
gilt-surrounding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
green
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
heads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
heavens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
hubbub
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
individuals
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
laughter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
loomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
lost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
luster
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
makenounUS /make/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
nine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
nude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
orchestra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
overhead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
piloting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
quietly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
ranged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
ranges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
red
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
round
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
row
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
scattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
seats
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
seconds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
sitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
slim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
slowly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
splash
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
stage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
stalls
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
subdued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
Theatres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
thirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
tickets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
true
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
turned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
undulant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
unlit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A shadow enveloped the great red splash of the curtain, and not a sound came from the stage, the unlit footlights, the scattered desks of the orchestra.
Variétés
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
velvet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
voices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
wandered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading At nine o’clock in the evening the body of the house at the Theatres des Variétés was still all but empty.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
whereconjunctionUS /wer/
in or at the place that
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading A few individuals, it is true, were sitting quietly waiting in the balcony and stalls, but these were lost, as it were, among the ranges of seats whose coverings of cardinal velvet loomed in the subdued light of the dimly burning luster.
wide-vaulted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
women's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
workmen's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was only high overhead in the third gallery, round the domed ceiling where nude females and children flew in heavens which had turned green in the gaslight, that calls and laughter were audible above a continuous hubbub of voices, and heads in women’s and workmen’s caps were ranged, row above row, under the wide-vaulted bays with their gilt-surrounding adornments.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Every few seconds an attendant would make her appearance, bustling along with tickets in her hand and piloting in front of her a gentleman and a lady, who took their seats, he in his evening dress, she sitting slim and undulant beside him while her eyes wandered slowly round the house.
