climb
verb (used without object)
to go up or ascend, especially by using the hands and feet or feet only.
had been climbing
-
past perfect progressiveof climb.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.
Even before the latest release of the consumer-price index, inflation expectations had been climbing, a potential trouble spot in a market where stocks have largely shrugged off the U.S.-Iran conflict and the resulting energy shock.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 12, 2026
The two-year yield is a barometer of changing expectations for interest rates, and it had been climbing fast as investors bet on further rate hikes from the Fed.
From New York Times ● Mar. 17, 2023
Thurmer’s wife said he was a very experienced climber and had been climbing solo in the Enchantments.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 1, 2022
The 54-year-old man and his wife had been climbing Helvellyn but his wife stopped when they reached the start of Striding Edge.
From BBC ● Nov. 15, 2021
Melanie had been climbing into bed when Marshall came into her room.
From "The Egypt Game" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder
