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 It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
aid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading They are not a product of nature, but of art and machinery.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading They are not a product of nature, but of art and machinery.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
Author
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Author of “The Hidden Spring,” Etc.
beans
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
begin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
build
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading They are not a product of nature, but of art and machinery.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
clear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
Clothespin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
clothespin-mill
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
clothespins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
coast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
Diversity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
Etc
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Author of “The Hidden Spring,” Etc.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
fences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
fields
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
gathered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
grown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
Hidden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Author of “The Hidden Spring,” Etc.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
inclosed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
individual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
James
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
Jimmy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
machinery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They are not a product of nature, but of art and machinery.
march
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
Michigan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
named
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They are not a product of nature, but of art and machinery.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Author of “The Hidden Spring,” Etc.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
product
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They are not a product of nature, but of art and machinery.
rail
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
self-binder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
son
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
Spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Author of “The Hidden Spring,” Etc.
started
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This individual would not have had a son named James, nor would Clothespin Jimmy have started to build a new clothespin-mill in Diversity, Michigan.
story
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Author of “The Hidden Spring,” Etc.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading They are not a product of nature, but of art and machinery.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
threshed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
understanding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
wheat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is not a fact that clothespins are threshed out like beans or wheat.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading A clear understanding of this is necessary before the story can begin to march; for if clothespins had grown in fields inclosed by rail fences, and were gathered by the aid of a self-binder, there never would have been an individual known from coast to coast as Clothespin Jimmy.
