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had been bustling
  • past perfect progressive of bustle.

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

Meanwhile, Peter had been bustling about after such dinner arrangements as he could attend to.

From Sisters by Cambridge, Ada