“Sea Maidens of Japan” Vocabulary

disgrace Kiyomi worries that she might disgrace her mother when she tries to dive and that the others will think badly of her if she fails.

disgrace to cause loss of honor or respect

cove To keep herself from worrying, she walks to the shore of her favorite cove.

cove a small sheltered bay or inlet

host She pretends to host a party in which her friends are mermaids.

host to invite people to visit as guests

driftwood She imagines she uses driftwood that has been washed ashore from the water to make a fire.

driftwood wood that floats on water or is brought to the shore by water

sizzle She places a shellfish over the flames, which begin to sizzle as they cook.

sizzle to make a hissing or sputtering sound

flail Soon, Kiyomi has forgotten about her fear that her arms and legs will flail wildly when she dives.

flail to wave or move about wildly