dump
verb (used with object)
to drop or let fall in a mass; fling down or drop heavily or suddenly.
had been dumping
-
past perfect progressiveof dump.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.
He said the lorries that had been dumping waste daily over the years had created road safety, noise and pollution issues.
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2026
He could not say how long the hospitals had been dumping materials before the investigation began, but said the behavior was consistent between inspections.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 5, 2024
He said frequent testing and subsequent investigations have led to the closure of numerous illegal connections to storm drains, where companies had been dumping raw sewage into the water.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 14, 2021
In 1959, a physician identified the cause of the catastrophe: A local chemical plant had been dumping methylmercury into the bay, poisoning the fish and, ultimately, the humans and cats who ate them.
From New York Times ● May 16, 2017
It had been dumping metal deposits there for centuries, or however long rivers lasted, and the board’s magnets had found purchase just in time.
From "Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld
