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 The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading At last it was broad day, and an order was given to wash down the decks.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
band
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/
at or toward the back of something
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
boys
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
broad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last it was broad day, and an order was given to wash down the decks.
bucket
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
called
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
chains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
church
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
deck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
decks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last it was broad day, and an order was given to wash down the decks.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
dragged
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
drowsy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
east
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
expertness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
fastened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
fill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
four
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last it was broad day, and an order was given to wash down the decks.
got
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
handspike
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
leaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
loud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
managed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
noddednounUS /nodded/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
o'clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading At last it was broad day, and an order was given to wash down the decks.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
rope
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
sat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
sermon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
shining
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
shrouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
signs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
sleepy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
sleight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
slipped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
speaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
swing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
thumping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading At last it was broad day, and an order was given to wash down the decks.
tub
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
waist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
wash
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading At last it was broad day, and an order was given to wash down the decks.
watch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The next thing I knew, was the loud thumping of a handspike on deck as the watch was called again.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading It was now four o’clock in the morning, and when we got on deck the first signs of day were shining in the east.
windlass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A great tub was dragged into the waist, and then one of the men went over into the chains, and slipped in behind a band fastened to the shrouds, and leaning over, began to swing a bucket into the sea by a long rope; and in that way with much expertness and sleight of hand, he managed to fill the tub in a very short time.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The men were very sleepy, and sat down on the windlass without speaking, and some of them nodded and nodded, till at last they fell off like little boys in church during a drowsy sermon.
