dispense
verb (used with object)
to deal out; distribute.
had been dispensing
-
past perfect progressiveof dispense.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.
When Rogers tried to place an order for Paxlovid on Monday morning, the pharmacies that had been dispensing the drug last week were out of stock.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 4, 2022
Ward shared a long hug with Murray, who had been dispensing advice via Smith from the sidelines throughout.
From BBC ● Mar. 6, 2015
Last week, it was revealed, a gentleman from Chicago named Kelley got himself in trouble with the Mother Church in the U. S. when indignant Bishops discovered that he had been dispensing miracles.
From Time Magazine Archive
He was a cozy little barrel of a man, born in "Doombahrton," and for some years past had been dispensing good old Dumbarton English in Panama's proudest educational institution.
From Zone Policeman 88; a close range study of the Panama canal and its workers by Franck, Harry Alverson
