flutter
verb (used without object)
to wave, flap, or toss about.
had been fluttering
-
past perfect progressiveof flutter.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.
As is now well known, the ski he and his partner had been using had been fluttering and stalling in spurts.
From Time Magazine Archive
His kick, which had been fluttering off at an angle, suddenly strengthened and began stirring up a furious wake.
From Time Magazine Archive
Until now, the lamp had been fluttering in the rush of wind.
From The Trail Horde by Charles Alden Seltzer
He had been fluttering around the north window, constantly getting bolder, and had not been disturbed.
From Bar-20 Days by Clarence Edward Mulford
"It has but just arrived, Miss Hethencourt," said the maître d'hôtel, who had been fluttering around upon the tiptoe of a most unusual curiosity.
From The Hawk of Egypt by Joan Conquest
