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
He had been climbing Mount Marapi - which means "Mountain of Fire" - with 17 other friends, starting their ascent on Saturday.
From BBC ● Dec. 5, 2023
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
At the same time, vehicle miles traveled per person in the United States — which had been climbing for more than 50 years — began to plateau.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 13, 2023
Its steps were smooth and worn, as if lots of people like the girl with the bike had been climbing up here for lots of years.
From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt
