smart
verb (used without object)
to be a source of sharp, local, and usually superficial pain, as a wound.
are smarting
-
present progressiveof smart.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 Bills are smarting after Sunday’s loss and now they face a defense that has given up a lot of yards.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 29, 2022
The Seahawks are smarting after a 17-15 loss to Washington in which Russell Wilson’s potential tying two-point conversion pass was intercepted in the end zone with 15 seconds left.
From Washington Post ● Dec. 4, 2021
Those of Washington's allies who joined in the Afghanistan project are smarting.
From BBC ● Aug. 17, 2021
There will be more spice to the first two games because Ireland and France are smarting from the likely loss of hosting the 2023 World Cup.
From The Guardian ● Nov. 8, 2017
“Ignore her,” I manage to utter, even though my eyes are smarting.
From "A Place at the Table" by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan
