lurk
verb (used without object)
to lie or wait in concealment, as a person in ambush; remain in or around a place secretly or furtively.
had been lurking
-
past perfect progressiveof lurk.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 remember something that had been lurking in the back of my brain for a very long time," the Queen told them.
From BBC ● Dec. 31, 2025
Recall that in May 2007, the U.S. asset-backed market seized up for a few days, only to return to apparent normalcy—until the global financial crisis later that year revealed what had been lurking underneath.
From Barron's ● Dec. 26, 2025
The Dodgers’ injury-ravaged bullpen had been lurking like a land mine in recent weeks.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 24, 2024
A hooded vulture named Oliver, who had been lurking on zoo grounds, was eventually lured back into his home with some treats.
From New York Times ● Mar. 28, 2023
But they had been lurking in the hearts and minds of the revolutionary generation all along.
From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis
