bustle
verb (used without object)
to move or act with a great show of energy (often followed byabout ).
had been bustling
-
past perfect progressiveof bustle.past perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that was ongoing continuously in the past up until another past event interrupted it.
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.
When Graham returned to face the judge, the courtroom that had been bustling with eviction cases throughout the day was quiet and empty except for Taylor, the bailiff and the clerk.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 8, 2023
On both the east and west coasts, beachside bars, boardwalks and piers that had been bustling with tourists a week ago were now a wasteland of muddy debris.
From New York Times ● Sep. 29, 2022
At the nearby Driftwood Cafe, co-owner Bud Hillman said the town had been bustling and in “full summertime mode” until the fire ignited and the roads closed last week.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2021
The house party had been bustling with 50 or more people early Sunday, Hughes said.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 7, 2011
The minister and his family, who had been bustling around attending to the wants of their guests, began to grow dim in his weary eyes.
From Chasing an Iron Horse Or, A Boy's Adventures in the Civil War by Edward Robins
