fan
noun
any device for producing a current of air by the movement of a broad surface or a number of such surfaces.
are fanning
-
present progressiveof fan.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The anticipated mega-IPOs of SpaceX, Anthropic and OpenAI are fanning private equity’s hopes that initial public offerings will once again be a viable exit path for the industry’s nearly 33,000 unsold businesses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 1, 2026
"People who are donating money are causing the problem of animal cruelty here, because they keep on fuelling it, they are fanning the fire," says Kakooza.
From BBC ● May 3, 2026
Some of the operatives who helped state Rep. Zohran Mamdani secure the Democratic nomination for mayor in New York City are fanning out to assist like-minded Democrats in their own races.
From Salon ● Sep. 24, 2025
Labor market strength and a slowdown in inflation are fanning optimism that the economy could avoid a recession.
From Reuters ● Aug. 24, 2023
“How on earth are you going to change men’s hearts when the newspapers are fanning hate into them every day?”
From "Native Son" by Richard Wright
