chuckle
verb (used without object)
to laugh softly or amusedly, usually with satisfaction.
had been chuckling
-
past perfect progressiveof chuckle.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.
Justice Thomas, who had been chuckling during the exchange, let out an infectious laugh.
From New York Times ● Oct. 31, 2016
In fact, he had been chuckling ever since Mrs. Britt had received the letter which started her upon the special cleaning of her already neat house.
From Rod of the Lone Patrol by H. A. (Hiram Alfred) Cody
And it suddenly dawned upon Guy Little that ever since they had left Ranch Number Ten the old man had been chuckling delightedly.
From Man to Man by Jackson Gregory
Old Davie flushed in hopeless embarrassment, and even the men who had been chuckling most openly were sorry for him.
From The Mutineers by Charles Boardman Hawes
Mr. Cane had been chuckling throughout the account of their adventures and now Mrs. Cane was beginning.
From Sube Cane by Edward Bellamy Partridge
