rummage
verb (used with object)
to search thoroughly or actively through (a place, receptacle, etc.), especially by moving around, turning over, or looking through contents.
had been rummaging
-
past perfect progressiveof rummage.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.
Fancy Bear, apparently not knowing that Cozy Bear had been rummaging in DNC files for months, took many of the same documents.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 13, 2016
Fancy Bear, apparently not knowing that Cozy Bear had been rummaging in D.N.C. files for months, took many of the same documents.
From New York Times ● Dec. 13, 2016
Reynie had been rummaging for an extra towel.
From "The Mysterious Benedict Society" by Trenton Lee Stewart
Hermione, who had been rummaging in Hagrid’s cupboard for another milk jug, let out a small, quickly stifled sob.
From "Harry Potter And The Prisoner Of Azkaban" by J.K. Rowling
Gay slapped some of the Moss papers on the floor, where she had been rummaging through their box.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
