prowl
verb (used without object)
to rove or go about stealthily, as in search of prey, something to steal, etc.
had been prowling
-
past perfect progressiveof prowl.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.
Black bears frequent the area and in recent weeks one had been prowling the neighborhood, getting food from unsecured garbage cans and other sources, Webb said.
From Washington Times ● Aug. 4, 2023
It had been prowling these waters for 40 years, and looked tired.
From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2013
The full-back had been prowling the touchline during his absence, as his side conceded 10 points without reply, but moments after his return Wigan stretched their lead to eight points with a Richards penalty.
From The Guardian ● Jul. 29, 2011
The secondhand dealers had been prowling around for weeks, like wolves, offering humiliating prices for goods and furniture they knew many of us would have to sell sooner or later.
From "Farewell to Manzanar" by Jeanne Houston
Harry watched him looking around for Percy, who had been prowling between the sleeping bags, telling people off for talking.
From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
