pine
noun
any evergreen, conifer of the genus Pinus, having long, needle-shaped leaves, certain species of which yield timber, turpentine, tar, pitch, etc.
had been pining
-
past perfect progressiveof pine.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.
Speaking to the BBC from New York, Baranski said she had been pining to return to her theatre roots for some time.
From BBC ● Apr. 16, 2026
In 2000, The Times wrote that while the American music industry had been pining for its next Ricky Martin, the Epic Records Group had found “the next great ‘crossover’ superstar” in Hong Kong.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 5, 2023
The U.S. outshot Iran 9-0 in the first half but didn’t break through until Pulisic came up with the big moment that a growing and increasingly demanding fan base back home had been pining for.
From Washington Times ● Nov. 29, 2022
For months Mr. Vicha had been pining to return to Thailand but was unable to because of the pandemic.
From New York Times ● Feb. 27, 2021
Here was the society he had been pining for all his life!
From Soap-Bubble Stories For Children by Fanny Barry
