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 II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
adjective
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
Agricultural
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
ARTFUL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
beautiful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
Chancellor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
comenounUS /come/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
Day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
Derby
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
dexteritynounUS /dɛkˈstɛrəti/
skill in using the hands or body in a specific situation in this story
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
donenounUS /done/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
em
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
emphasising
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
Epsom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
evernounUS /ever/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/
to think that something will happen
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a lovely idea!
II
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
ingenuity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
Inspector
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a lovely idea!
Jenny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
Lind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
lovely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a lovely idea!
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
mentioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
Mob
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
move
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
preparing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
races
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
send
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
Sergeant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
Show
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
sir
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That’s the story, sir.’
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
station
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That’s the story, sir.’
strong
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
Swell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
sworn
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
talking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
That's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That’s the story, sir.’
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading That’s the story, sir.’
there's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
TOUCH
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
train
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
university
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading As I mentioned, when we were talking about these things before, we are ready at the station when there’s races, or an Agricultural Show, or a Chancellor sworn in for an university, or Jenny Lind, or anything of that sort; and as the Swell Mob come down, we send ’em back again by the next train.
Wield
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
Witchem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading ‘Witchem and me were down at Epsom one Derby Day, waiting at the station for the Swell Mob.
Witchem's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading II.—THE ARTFUL TOUCH ‘One of the most beautiful things that ever was done, perhaps,’ said Inspector Wield, emphasising the adjective, as preparing us to expect dexterity or ingenuity rather than strong interest, ‘was a move of Sergeant Witchem’s.
