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 If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
affords
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
apparitionnounUS /ˌæpərˈɪʃən/
a ghostly appearing figure
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
bow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
call
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
crewnounUS /crew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
de
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
denizens
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
dolphins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
enchantedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtʃæn.tɪd/
Filled with or placed under the influence of magical power or charm.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
engage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
exceedingly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
fewer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
flying-fish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
foremast-head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
fro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
glimpses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
ground
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
harpoon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
hoisted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
honing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
idly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
in-shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
Indian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
induced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
la
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
leaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
lively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
Ocean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
parm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
partnounUS /part/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
Pequod's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
Peru
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
Plata
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
porpoises
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
portents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
Queequeg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
quick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
quid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
resist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
Rio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
royal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
savage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
shoulders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
shrouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
slackened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
sleep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
special
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
spell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
Squid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
stand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
Starbuck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
stirring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
sultry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
swayed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
turn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was my turn to stand at the foremast-head; and with my shoulders leaning against the slackened royal shrouds, to and fro I idly swayed in what seemed an enchanted air.
vacant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
vivacious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
voyaging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading If to Starbuck the apparition of the Squid was a thing of portents, to Queequeg it was quite a different object.
waters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
whale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
whalemen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For this part of the Indian Ocean through which we then were voyaging is not what whalemen call a lively ground; that is, it affords fewer glimpses of porpoises, dolphins, flying-fish, and other vivacious denizens of more stirring waters, than those off the Rio de la Plata, or the in-shore ground off Peru.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The next day was exceedingly still and sultry, and with nothing special to engage them, the Pequod’s crew could hardly resist the spell of sleep induced by such a vacant sea.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “When you see him ’quid,” said the savage, honing his harpoon in the bow of his hoisted boat, “then you quick see him ’parm whale.”
