groom
noun
a bridegroom.
had been grooming
-
past perfect progressiveof groom.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.
Rounding out the trio was Michael, the 20-year-old son Vince had been grooming to take over the business since he was 6.
From Slate ● Jan. 13, 2026
Montenegro's most heavyweight likely rival would be Pedro Nuno Santos of the PS, who analysts say Costa had been grooming as his successor.
From Reuters ● Nov. 8, 2023
He had been grooming Marshall for the post, having asked him to leave the U.S.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 11, 2022
Over the last few years, Sridevi had been grooming her older daughter, Janhvi Kapoor, for her debut Bollywood film slated for release later this year.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 27, 2018
These were the facts: Natan had been grooming the horses, Nimrod and Buster, when suddenly and soundlessly there appeared before the window in the stables’ rear, the misshapen head and shoulders of typo Ferdinand Bernal.
From Jessica, the Heiress by Evelyn Raymond
