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had been rubbing
  • past perfect progressive of rub.

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.

Today, the curbs are suitably beaten up, with dings and black smears as if tires had been rubbing against them for decades.

From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2024

“They said that bears had been rubbing against the towers,” Mr. Ramsay said.

From New York Times • Sep. 14, 2011

He said he had been rubbing the man’s back to calm him, and his actions were misinterpreted in the commotion.

From New York Times • Mar. 13, 2011

He had been rubbing off a Charley horse for most of the final set.

From Time Magazine Archive

For a day or two he had been rubbing his eyes and meowing dis­consolately, but I thought nothing of it.

From "Life of Pi" by Yann Martel