overflow
verb (used without object)
to flow or run over, as rivers or water.
had been overflowing
-
past perfect progressiveof overflow.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.
A garden hose had been overflowing the pool above the hillside for an “unknown amount of time” when it caused the flooding and subsequent collapse, according to the Fire Department’s 5 p.m. update.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 19, 2026
People living in the flats said there had been overflowing gutters, dead rats, damp, and rotting and broken fences.
From BBC ● Dec. 10, 2024
It’s amazing how one game can alter the outlook of a Seahawks season that had been overflowing with doom piled on top of gloom.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 24, 2018
He pointed out that Twitter had been "overflowing with discommoded Labour party supporters" who had sealed off their letterboxes to avoid receiving the Sun's free issue.
From The Guardian ● Jun. 13, 2014
He crumpled the pleated paper cups that had been overflowing with cole slaw and fired them into the crate.
From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison
