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 Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
accustomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
angle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
believenounUS /ˈbelieve/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
bell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
cigar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
clerks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
Company
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
COUNT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
eagerly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
EverydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
excitement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
expectation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were all on tiptoe with expectation.
familiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
following
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
footstep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
greeting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
half-past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
hard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
heads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
hearnounUS /hear/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
Messrs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
mouth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
nine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
offices
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
outsidenounUS /ˈoutside/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
raised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
SABATINI
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
Samuel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
shadownounUS /ˈʃæd.oʊ/
A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
silk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
somewhere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
stroll
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
subdued
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The sound of the bell on the outside door brought them all to their feet.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
tiptoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were all on tiptoe with expectation.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
VISITS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
Weatherley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading COUNT SABATINI VISITS There was an air of subdued excitement about the offices of Messrs. Samuel Weatherley & Company from nine until half-past on the following morning.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Every time a shadow passed the window, heads were eagerly raised.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading They were all on tiptoe with expectation.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For so many years his clerks had been accustomed to see Mr. Weatherley stroll in somewhere about that time, his cigar in his mouth, his silk hat always at the same angle, that it seemed hard for them to believe that this morning they would not hear the familiar footstep and greeting.
