sift
verb (used with object)
to separate and retain the coarse parts of (flour, ashes, etc.) with a sieve.
are sifting
-
present progressiveof sift.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.
Now, banks are sifting through their exposure to the company and its chain of customers and suppliers.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 8, 2025
West Altadenans Steve Hofvendahl and his wife, Lili Knight, both actors, are sifting through their options.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 12, 2025
Personnel aboard Navy and Coast Guard ships are sifting through a debris field measuring about 1,500 meters by 1,500 meters, the general said.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 6, 2023
Now a team of engineers are sifting through tonnes of sand and soil from the whole beach as part of a £10.5m project to remove all the hazardous material.
From BBC ● Nov. 11, 2022
All around us, people perceptibly in need of new clothes are sifting through the racks and piles of hanging and folded goods.
From "Odd One Out" by Nic Stone
