rush
verb (used without object)
to move, act, or progress with speed, impetuosity, or violence.
had been rushing
-
past perfect progressiveof rush.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.
Unlike before, when I had been rushing to my appointment, I walked a bit more slowly, cherishing the sun as it grazed my skin.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 18, 2026
The rider had been rushing to reach his pregnant wife when he got caught up in a presidential convoy.
From BBC ● Oct. 16, 2025
Over the past 24 hours, she had been rushing in and out of the makeshift medic's room aboard a boat rescuing people from the Mediterranean Sea.
From Washington Post ● Jul. 6, 2017
The Reigners Bible Church International was still under construction and workers had been rushing to finish it in time for Saturday's ceremony to ordain founder Akan Weeks as a bishop, congregants said.
From New York Times ● Dec. 11, 2016
The long-armed haint that had been rushing her was now struggling to get back onto its feet, its long mouth hanging open in surprise.
From "Shadowshaper" by Daniel José Older
