dial
noun
a plate, disk, face, or other surface containing markings or figures upon which the time of day is indicated by hands, pointers, or shadows, as of a clock or sundial.
had been dialling
-
past perfect progressiveof dial.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.
The previous night, and into the morning, propulsion technicians had been dialling up the pressure in the nitrous tank.
From The New Yorker ● Aug. 13, 2018
