83 words to know before reading Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland

1. In a relaxed, unhurried manner.
2. Without haste or urgency.

All in the golden afternoon Full leisurely we glide; For both our oars, with little skill, By little arms are plied; While little hands make

1. To move smoothly and continuously, as if without effort.
2. A gradual or effortless transition from one state to another.

All in the golden afternoon Full leisurely we glide; For both our oars, with little skill, By little arms are plied; While little hands make vain

1. Long poles with flat blades used for rowing boats.
2. The act of propelling a boat using oars.

All in the golden afternoon Full leisurely we glide; For both our oars, with little skill, By little arms are plied; While little hands make vain pretence Our

1. Having an excessively high opinion of one's appearance or abilities (conceited).
2. Producing no result; useless (futile).

glide; For both our oars, with little skill, By little arms are plied; While little hands make vain pretence Our wanderings to guide. Ah, cruel Three! In such an hour, Beneath such dreamy weather,

1. A lightweight, flat structure forming the plumage of birds.
2. To rotate the blades of a propeller to reduce drag in flight.

said the Duchess: “flamingoes and mustard both bite. And the moral of that is—‘Birds of a feather flock together.’ ” “Only mustard isn’t a bird,” Alice remarked. “Right, as usual,” said the

1. Arrogantly domineering or overbearing.
2. Urgent or pressing in a commanding way.

the tiniest feather! Yet what can one poor voice avail Against three tongues together? Imperious Prima flashes forth Her edict “to begin it”: In gentler tones Secunda hopes “There will be

1. An official order or proclamation issued by an authority.
2. A decree or command with the force of law.

can one poor voice avail Against three tongues together? Imperious Prima flashes forth Her edict “to begin it”: In gentler tones Secunda hopes “There will be nonsense in it.” While Tertia

1. The third order or rank in a sequence.
2. In printing, a size of type smaller than brevier.

Her edict “to begin it”: In gentler tones Secunda hopes “There will be nonsense in it.” While Tertia interrupts the tale Not more than once a minute. Anon, to sudden silence won, In fancy they

1. Short for "anonymous," referring to someone whose identity is unknown.
2. A member of the online collective "Anonymous," known for activism and hacking.

“There will be nonsense in it.” While Tertia interrupts the tale Not more than once a minute. Anon, to sudden silence won, In fancy they pursue The dream-child moving through a land Of wonders

1. In a weak or barely perceptible manner.
2. With little strength or clarity.

as she ran; but the Gryphon only answered “Come on!” and ran the faster, while more and more faintly came, carried on the breeze that followed them, the melancholy words:— “Soo-oop of the

1. Attractively unusual or old-fashioned.
2. Charmingly odd or peculiar.

time!” The happy voices cry. Thus grew the tale of Wonderland: Thus slowly, one by one, Its quaint events were hammered out— And now the tale is done, And home we steer, a merry crew, Beneath the

1. Twisted or wound together (as in strands or fibers).
2. Interlaced or entwined (as in vines or branches).

sun. Alice! A childish story take, And with a gentle hand Lay it where Childhood’s dreams are twined In Memory’s mystic band, Like pilgrim’s withered wreath of flowers Pluck’d in a far-off land.

1. Looked quickly or furtively.
2. Made a faint, high-pitched sound like a small bird.

of sitting by her sister on the bank, and of having nothing to do: once or twice she had peeped into the book her sister was reading, but it had no pictures or conversations in it, “and what is

1. A small flowering plant with white petals and a yellow center.
2. A term of endearment for someone sweet or innocent.

could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a White

1. Small flowering plants with white petals and yellow centers, commonly found in meadows.
2. Symbolic of innocence, purity, or simplicity in literature and art.

pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her. There was nothing so very

1. Worthy of attention; striking or unusual.
2. Exceptionally good or impressive.

the birds! Why, she’ll eat a little bird as soon as look at it!” This speech caused a remarkable sensation among the party. Some of the birds hurried off at once: one old Magpie began wrapping

1. The angular distance north or south from the equator, measured in degrees.
2. Freedom to act or choose within certain limits.

then I wonder what Latitude or Longitude I’ve got to?” (Alice had no idea what Latitude was, or Longitude either, but thought they were nice grand words to say.) Presently she began

1. A dull, heavy sound made by a blow or fall.
2. To hit or strike something with a heavy, dull sound.

very earnestly, “Now, Dinah, tell me the truth: did you ever eat a bat?” when suddenly, thump! thump! down she came upon a heap of sticks and dry leaves, and the fall was over. Alice was not a bit

1. An expression of sorrow, regret, or grief (interjection).
2. Unfortunately or sadly (adverb).

existence; “and now for the garden!” and she ran with all speed back to the little door: but, alas! the little door was shut again, and the little golden key was lying on the glass table as

1. An optical instrument for viewing distant objects.
2. To become compressed or shortened lengthwise.

soon finished it off. “What a curious feeling!” said Alice; “I must be shutting up like a telescope.” And so it was indeed: she was now only ten inches high, and her face brightened up at the

1. Used to emphasize a statement or response.
2. Truly or certainly (often expressing agreement).

always hated cats: nasty, low, vulgar things! Don’t let me hear the name again!” “I won’t indeed!” said Alice, in a great hurry to change the subject of conversation. “Are you—are you

1. In a way that is pleasing to the senses or mind.
2. With great skill or artistry.

she opened it, and found in it a very small cake, on which the words “Eat Me” were beautifully marked in currants. “Well, I’ll eat it,” said Alice, “and if it makes me grow larger, I can reach

1. A cylinder of wax with a central wick that is lit to produce light.
2. A unit of luminous intensity.

“for it might end, you know,” said Alice to herself, “in my going out altogether, like a candle. I wonder what I should be like then?” And she tried to fancy what the flame of a candle is like

1. Close-fitting, elastic garments covering the foot and leg, typically made of nylon or silk.
2. Hosiery worn for fashion, warmth, or support, often reaching the thigh.

getting so far off). “Oh, my poor little feet, I wonder who will put on your shoes and stockings for you now, dears? I’m sure I shan’t be able! I shall be a great deal too far off to trouble

1. A rug placed in front of a fireplace to protect the floor from heat and sparks.
2. A decorative rug used to enhance the area around a hearth.

presents to one’s own feet! And how odd the directions will look! Alice’s Right Foot, Esq. Hearthrug, Near the Fender, (With Alice’s Love). Oh dear, what nonsense I’m talking!” Just then her head

1. A protective barrier or guard, often on vehicles to prevent damage.
2. A device used to absorb shock between boats and docks.

own feet! And how odd the directions will look! Alice’s Right Foot, Esq. Hearthrug, Near the Fender, (With Alice’s Love). Oh dear, what nonsense I’m talking!” Just then her head struck against the

1. The reflexive form of "you," referring to the person being addressed.
2. Used to emphasize the subject "you."

“I have answered three questions, and that is enough,” Said his father; “don’t give yourself airs! Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff? Be off, or I’ll kick you down stairs!”

1. The process of losing or casting off hair, skin, or leaves naturally.
2. The act of allowing something to fall or be removed.

“to go on crying in this way! Stop this moment, I tell you!” But she went on all the same, shedding gallons of tears, until there was a large pool all round her, about four inches deep and reaching

1. Done quickly or hurriedly, often without care.
2. Acting with excessive speed or urgency.

down the hall. After a time she heard a little pattering of feet in the distance, and she hastily dried her eyes to see what was coming. It was the White Rabbit returning, splendidly dressed,

1. Relating to sexual or gender identities that are not heterosexual or cisgender.
2. Strange, odd, or unconventional.

“I shall be punished for it now, I suppose, by being drowned in my own tears! That will be a queer thing, to be sure! However, everything is queer today.” Just then she heard something splashing

1. Shaking involuntarily, typically due to fear, cold, or weakness.
2. A quivering or vibrating movement.

must be getting home; the night-air doesn’t suit my throat!” and a Canary called out in a trembling voice to its children, “Come away, my dears! It’s high time you were all in bed!” On various

1. A meeting of members of a political party to select candidates or decide policy.
2. A group within a legislative body that meets to pursue common interests.

III A Caucus-Race and a Long Tale They were indeed a queer-looking party that assembled on the bank—the birds

1. A small to medium-sized parrot with bright plumage, native to Australasia.
2. A term used in heraldry for a bird resembling a parrot.

your pardon!” said the Mouse, frowning, but very politely: “Did you speak?” “Not I!” said the Lory hastily. “I thought you did,” said the Mouse. “—I proceed. ‘Edwin and Morcar, the earls of

1. A feeling of deep sadness or sorrow, often without a clear cause.
2. A pensive or reflective sadness, sometimes with a poetic quality.

my dear?” it continued, turning to Alice as it spoke. “As wet as ever,” said Alice in a melancholy tone: “it doesn’t seem to dry me at all.” “In that case,” said the Dodo solemnly, rising to its

1. An extinct flightless bird from Mauritius.
2. A person who is out of touch or slow to adapt.

(And, as you might like to try the thing yourself, some winter day, I will tell you how the Dodo managed it.) First it marked out a racecourse, in a sort of circle, (“the exact shape doesn’t

1. In a serious and earnest manner.
2. With deep sincerity or gravity.

in a melancholy tone: “it doesn’t seem to dry me at all.” “In that case,” said the Dodo solemnly, rising to its feet, “I move that the meeting adjourn, for the immediate adoption of more

1. A group of singers performing together, often in musicals or operas.
2. The refrain or repeated section of a song.

“Please come back and finish your story!” Alice called after it; and the others all joined in chorus, “Yes, please do!” but the Mouse only shook its head impatiently, and walked a little quicker.

1. A small metal or plastic cap worn on the finger to protect it while sewing.
2. A short metal tube used in mechanical or electrical applications.

the Dodo solemnly presented the thimble, saying “We beg your acceptance of this elegant thimble”; and, when it had finished this short speech, they all cheered. Alice thought the whole thing

1. Small, domesticated mammals related to weasels, often kept as pets or used for hunting.
2. To search or rummage for something persistently.

The Duchess! Oh my dear paws! Oh my fur and whiskers! She’ll get me executed, as sure as ferrets are ferrets! Where can I have dropped them, I wonder?” Alice guessed in a moment that it was

1. To go and bring back something.
2. To retrieve data or information.

our Dinah here, I know I do!” said Alice aloud, addressing nobody in particular. “She’d soon fetch it back!” “And who is Dinah, if I might venture to ask the question?” said the Lory. Alice

1. Feeling fear or scared.
2. Afraid or alarmed by something.

to avoid shrinking away altogether. “That was a narrow escape!” said Alice, a good deal frightened at the sudden change, but very glad to find herself still in existence; “and now for the garden!”

1. A vertical structure for venting smoke from a fireplace or furnace.
2. A narrow opening or passage, often in rock formations.

I won’t, then!—Bill’s to go down—Here, Bill! the master says you’re to go down the chimney!” “Oh! So Bill’s got to come down the chimney, has he?” said Alice to herself. “Shy, they seem to

1. To quickly seize or grab something suddenly.
2. A brief or small amount of something.

she heard the Rabbit just under the window, she suddenly spread out her hand, and made a snatch in the air. She did not get hold of anything, but she heard a little shriek and a fall, and a

1. A long, green, cylindrical vegetable with crisp flesh, often eaten raw in salads or pickled.
2. The plant (Cucumis sativus) that produces this vegetable.

of broken glass, from which she concluded that it was just possible it had fallen into a cucumber-frame, or something of the sort. Next came an angry voice—the Rabbit’s—“Pat! Pat! Where are

1. A unit of currency in Turkey, equal to 100 kuruş.
2. Informal term for "year" in some dialects or contexts.

of more broken glass.) “Now tell me, Pat, what’s that in the window?” “Sure, it’s an arm, yer honour!” (He pronounced it “arrum.”) “An arm, you goose! Who ever saw one that size? Why, it

1. The amount that can be carried in a barrow (wheelbarrow).
2. A full load or quantity contained in a barrow.

about again, and Alice heard the Rabbit say, “A barrowful will do, to begin with.” “A barrowful of what?” thought Alice; but she had not long to doubt, for the next moment a shower of little

1. The larval stage of a butterfly or moth, with a segmented body and many legs.
2. A large tractor with continuous tracks, used in construction.

V Advice from a Caterpillar The Caterpillar and Alice looked at each other for some time in silence: at last the Caterpillar took the hookah

1. A water pipe used for smoking flavored tobacco, often shared in social settings.
2. Originating in the Middle East, it consists of a base, bowl, hose, and mouthpiece.

blue caterpillar, that was sitting on the top with its arms folded, quietly smoking a long hookah, and taking not the smallest notice of her or of anything else.

1. A large, legless reptile; a snake.
2. A mythical or symbolic dragon-like creature.

screamed the Pigeon. “I’m not a serpent!” said Alice indignantly. “Let me alone!” “Serpent, I say again!” repeated the Pigeon, but in a more subdued tone, and added with a kind of sob,

1. A stout-bodied bird with short legs, often gray or white, commonly found in cities.
2. A domesticated bird used for racing or carrying messages.

flown into her face, and was beating her violently with its wings. “Serpent!” screamed the Pigeon. “I’m not a serpent!” said Alice indignantly. “Let me alone!” “Serpent, I say again!” repeated

1. Long, legless reptiles; snakes.
2. Symbolic or mythical snake-like creatures.

trouble enough hatching the eggs,” said the Pigeon; “but I must be on the lookout for serpents night and day! Why, I haven’t had a wink of sleep these three weeks!” “I’m very sorry you’ve been

1. A lawn game where players hit wooden balls through hoops using mallets.
2. The act of hitting a ball in croquet.

the order of the words a little, “From the Queen. An invitation for the Duchess to play croquet.” Then they both bowed low, and their curls got entangled together. Alice laughed so much at

1. In a shy or nervous manner.
2. Showing lack of confidence or courage.

so she felt that it ought to be treated with respect. “Cheshire Puss,” she began, rather timidly, as she did not at all know whether it would like the name: however, it only grinned a little

1. A sudden, forceful expulsion of air from the nose and mouth due to irritation in the nasal passages.
2. An involuntary reflex caused by allergens, colds, or other irritants.

She said the last words out loud, and the little thing grunted in reply (it had left off sneezing by this time). “Don’t grunt,” said Alice; “that’s not at all a proper way of expressing

1. A county in northwest England known for its picturesque countryside.
2. Referring to the Cheshire Cat, a fictional grinning cat from "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland."

to the baby, and not to her, so she took courage, and went on again:— “I didn’t know that Cheshire cats always grinned; in fact, I didn’t know that cats could grin.” “They all can,” said the

1. A broad smile showing teeth.
2. To smile widely, often showing teeth.

“I didn’t know that Cheshire cats always grinned; in fact, I didn’t know that cats could grin.” “They all can,” said the Duchess; “and most of ’em do.” “I don’t know of any that do,” Alice

1. A fast-running, long-eared mammal resembling a large rabbit.
2. (Informal) To move swiftly.

right paw round, “lives a Hatter: and in that direction,” waving the other paw, “lives a March Hare. Visit either you like: they’re both mad.” “But I don’t want to go among mad people,” Alice

1. A small, nocturnal rodent with a bushy tail, known for its long hibernation periods.
2. Any of several species in the family Gliridae, native to Europe, Africa, and Asia.

a tree in front of the house, and the March Hare and the Hatter were having tea at it: a Dormouse was sitting between them, fast asleep, and the other two were using it as a cushion, resting

1. Said something in response or comment.
2. Noticed or observed something noteworthy.

questions.—How am I to get in?” she repeated, aloud. “I shall sit here,” the Footman remarked, “till tomorrow—” At this moment the door of the house opened, and a large plate came skimming

1. A spoken or written comment or observation.
2. To notice or observe something.

is just the case with mine,” said the Hatter. Alice felt dreadfully puzzled. The Hatter’s remark seemed to have no sort of meaning in it, and yet it was certainly English. “I don’t quite

1. Shine with a flickering or sparkling light.
2. A brief moment or instance of brightness.

“—it was at the great concert given by the Queen of Hearts, and I had to sing ‘Twinkle, twinkle, little bat! How I wonder what you’re at!’ You know the song, perhaps?” “I’ve heard something

1. A thick, sweet syrup made during sugar refining.
2. British term for molasses.

again, so she began very cautiously: “But I don’t understand. Where did they draw the treacle from?” “You can draw water out of a water-well,” said the Hatter; “so I should think you could

1. Flowering plants of the genus Rosa, known for their fragrant blooms and thorny stems.
2. Symbol of love, beauty, or passion in various cultures.

VIII The Queen’s Croquet-Ground A large rose-tree stood near the entrance of the garden: the roses growing on it were white, but there were three gardeners at it, busily painting them red. Alice

1. A dishonest or unscrupulous man; a rogue.
2. (In cards) A jack, the lowest-ranking court card.

smiling at everything that was said, and went by without noticing her. Then followed the Knave of Hearts, carrying the King’s crown on a crimson velvet cushion; and, last of all this grand

1. A tall wading bird with pink feathers, long legs, and a curved beak.
2. A bright pink or reddish-orange color resembling the bird's plumage.

it trying in a helpless sort of way to fly up into a tree. By the time she had caught the flamingo and brought it back, the fight was over, and both the hedgehogs were out of sight: “but it

1. A small spiny mammal with a short tail, found in Europe, Asia, and Africa.
2. A defensive military formation with troops arranged in a circle.

generally, just as she had got its neck nicely straightened out, and was going to give the hedgehog a blow with its head, it would twist itself round and look up in her face, with such a puzzled

1. A person who carries out executions, especially as a legal punishment.
2. Someone who performs a task or duty, often harshly or ruthlessly.

time he had come back with the Duchess, it had entirely disappeared; so the King and the executioner ran wildly up and down looking for it, while the rest of the party went back to the game.

1. A spicy condiment made from mustard seeds.
2. A plant whose seeds are used to make the condiment.

said the Duchess, who seemed ready to agree to everything that Alice said; “there’s a large mustard-mine near here. And the moral of that is—‘The more there is of mine, the less there is of

1. A mythical creature with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle.
2. A variant spelling of "griffin," often used in fantasy literature.

would be quite as safe to stay with it as to go after that savage Queen: so she waited. The Gryphon sat up and rubbed its eyes: then it watched the Queen till she was out of sight: then it

1. A slow-moving land reptile with a hard shell, part of the Testudinidae family.
2. A term used metaphorically to describe someone or something very slow.

and then, “we went to school in the sea. The master was an old Turtle—we used to call him Tortoise—” “Why did you call him Tortoise, if he wasn’t one?” Alice asked. “We called him Tortoise

1. Speaking slowly with prolonged vowel sounds.
2. A slow, lazy manner of speech.

Drawling-master was an old conger-eel, that used to come once a week: he taught us Drawling, Stretching, and Fainting in Coils.” “What was that like?” said Alice. “Well, I can’t show it you

1. A marine crustacean with a hard shell, large claws, and a long body, often used as seafood.
2. The flesh of this animal when cooked, typically bright red.

X The Lobster Quadrille The Mock Turtle sighed deeply, and drew the back of one flapper across his eyes. He

1. A square dance for four couples, popular in the 18th and 19th centuries.
2. A card game for four players using a 40-card deck.

X The Lobster Quadrille The Mock Turtle sighed deeply, and drew the back of one flapper across his eyes. He looked at

1. Marine crustaceans with large claws and a hard shell.
2. A slang term for people who are slow or clumsy.

Gryphon. “Of course,” the Mock Turtle said: “advance twice, set to partners—” “—change lobsters, and retire in same order,” continued the Gryphon. “Then, you know,” the Mock Turtle went on,

1. A small, toothed whale with a blunt snout and a triangular dorsal fin.
2. Any marine mammal of the family Phocoenidae, related to dolphins.

and sadly:— “ ‘Will you walk a little faster?’ said a whiting to a snail. ‘There’s a porpoise close behind us, and he’s treading on my tail. See how eagerly the lobsters and the turtles all

1. Object-Oriented Programming: A programming paradigm using objects and classes.
2. A sound made by a dove or pigeon.

beautiful Soup! Soup of the evening, beautiful Soup! Beau-ootiful Soo-oop! Beau-ootiful Soo-oop! Soo—oop of the e-e-evening, Beautiful, beautiful Soup! “Beautiful Soup! Who cares for fish,

1. Small, open-faced pastries with sweet or savory fillings.
2. Sharp or sour in taste.

XI Who Stole the Tarts? The King and Queen of Hearts were seated on their throne when they arrived, with a great crowd

1. A brass musical instrument with a flared bell and three valves.
2. The loud, resonant sound made by an elephant.

read the accusation!” said the King. On this the White Rabbit blew three blasts on the trumpet, and then unrolled the parchment scroll, and read as follows:— “The Queen of Hearts, she made

1. Thin, flat pieces of rock used for roofing or flooring.
2. A list of candidates for election.

“jurymen” would have done just as well. The twelve jurors were all writing very busily on slates. “What are they doing?” Alice whispered to the Gryphon. “They can’t have anything to put down

1. A former British gold coin worth 21 shillings (now obsolete).
2. A term for 21 shillings in pre-decimal British currency.

“I’m on the floor, as it is.” “Then you may sit down,” the King replied. Here the other guinea-pig cheered, and was suppressed. “Come, that finished the guinea-pigs!” thought Alice. “Now we

1. A reptile with scaly skin, four legs, and a long tail.
2. A member of the suborder Lacertilia within the order Squamata.

of taking it away. She did it so quickly that the poor little juror (it was Bill, the Lizard) could not make out at all what had become of it; so, after hunting all about for it, he was

1. Not significant or of little value.
2. Lacking relevance or consequence.

he said in a very respectful tone, but frowning and making faces at him as he spoke. “Unimportant, of course, I meant,” the King hastily said, and went on to himself in an undertone,

1. A formal decision or judgment made by a jury or court in a legal case.
2. Any decision, opinion, or conclusion reached after consideration.

the King added in an offended tone, and everybody laughed, “Let the jury consider their verdict,” the King said, for about the twentieth time that day. “No, no!” said the Queen. “Sentence