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.
Bettie, who had been dusting the parlor, pushed the chairs into place, threw her duster into the dining-room and ran to the door.
From Dandelion Cottage by Carroll Watson Rankin
She had been dusting the toys ready for the day's business.
From The Story of a Nodding Donkey by Harry L. Smith
She had seen it in its usual place early in the morning when she had been dusting.
From Mr. Marx's Secret by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
Now and then, in open spaces in the path, I came upon shallow circular depressions where the bird had been dusting, an operation in which I had often seen our barnyard fowls complacently engaged.
From A Rambler's lease by Bradford Torrey
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
