loiter
verb (used without object)
to linger aimlessly or as if aimless in or about a place.
had been loitering
-
past perfect progressiveof loiter.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.
I had been loitering outside the entrance to the studios as the motorcades arrived, the choreography of the moment a reminder to both leaders, not that they needed it, of the gravity of the moment.
From BBC ● Jun. 4, 2024
Aymeric Laporte, City’s French defender, had been loitering a few steps away but now he, too, beamed with delight as he greeted Bielsa, the coach who had given him his debut at Athletic Bilbao.
From New York Times ● Oct. 4, 2020
He had been loitering in the centre for five hours beforehand, unnoticed by security.
From The Guardian ● Nov. 1, 2019
For months, refugees had been loitering in public squares, resting on the route north, as others simply walked up the national highway toward Idomeni, more than 200 miles away.
From New York Times ● Mar. 17, 2016
Neeley had been loitering on the street when the shot sounded.
From "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith
