dust
noun
earth or other matter in fine, dry particles.
had been dusting
-
past perfect progressiveof dust.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.
His ring at the front door was answered by the pretty parlourmaid who had been dusting the hall before breakfast.
From The Hand in the Dark by Arthur J. (Arthur John) Rees
Rosalie laid down the cloth with which she had been dusting the furniture in her front parlor, and began tapping the velvet covering of the sofa with her fingers.
From Yiddish Tales by Various
The old man came forward from the pile of books which he and Marcia had been dusting, and sat down in a chair on the other side of the stove.
From A Modern Instance by William Dean Howells
She had been dusting the toys ready for the day's business.
From The Story of a Nodding Donkey by Harry L. Smith
Primmie sat down upon the chair she had been dusting.
From Galusha the Magnificent by Joseph Crosby Lincoln
