flicker
verb (used without object)
to burn unsteadily; shine with a wavering light; blink on and off.
had been flickering
-
past perfect progressiveof flicker.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 lightbulb that had been flickering for more than a decade finally and forever switched on.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 9, 2022
The software had been flickering out since 2017, when Adobe announced it would discontinue Flash with three and a half years’ warning.
From Slate ● Feb. 5, 2021
The power had been flickering on and off, and Meneshian knew that meant it was time to go.
From Seattle Times ● Apr. 25, 2019
A candle had been flickering in her mother’s chamber, but her great carved bed was empty beneath its dusty canopy.
From "A Dance with Dragons" by George R. R. Martin
But under all his incredulous amazement had been flickering thoughts of what he might find.
From Astounding Stories, March, 1931 by Various
