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 In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
bald
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
berth-deck
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From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
called
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From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
christenednounUS /ˈchristened/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
coat
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From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
coming
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From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
compare
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From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
consul
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From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
corporals
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From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
counted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
custody
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
delivered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
down
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From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
elderly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
enormous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
escorted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
exhausted
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From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
fellows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
forthwith
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
frigate's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
frowning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
functionary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
Gamboge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
gangway
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
gentleman's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
gold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
goods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
half-a-dozen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
head
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
ill-cut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
invoice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
lace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
ladders
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
legs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
lieutenant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
meek
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
midshipman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
moments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
moustache
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
musketsnounUS /ˈmuskets/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
officer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
Old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
opening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
paper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
paraded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
physical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
pompous
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
Preceded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
proceeded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
production
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
ratan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
sailor-soldiers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
ship's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
sleeve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
spot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
sticks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
tarnished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
tarpaulinsplural nounUS /ˈtɑrpɔlɪnz/
sailors, especially experienced seamen
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
thoroughly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading After being thoroughly counted, a meek little midshipman was called, and we were soon after given in custody to half-a-dozen sailor-soldiers—fellows with tarpaulins and muskets.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
vigour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This gentleman’s head was a mere bald spot; his legs, sticks; in short, his whole physical vigour seemed exhausted in the production of one enormous moustache.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Preceded by a pompous functionary (whom we took for one of the ship’s corporals, from his ratan and the gold lace on his sleeve), we were now escorted down the ladders to the berth-deck.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Old Gamboge, as he was forthwith christened, now received a paper from the consul; and, opening it, proceeded to compare the goods delivered with the invoice.
yellow-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In a few moments, we were paraded in the frigate’s gangway; the first lieutenant—an elderly yellow-faced officer, in an ill-cut coat and tarnished gold lace—coming up, and frowning upon us.
