shovel
noun
an implement consisting of a broad blade or scoop attached to a long handle, used for taking up, removing, or throwing loose matter, as earth, snow, or coal.
had been shovelling
-
past perfect progressiveof shovel.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.
You were as cool and as quiet as if you had been shovelling sand.
From Condemned as a Nihilist A Story of Escape from Siberia by Walter Paget
Pat, who had been shovelling coal all day, had gone home, and Clam had gone upon the Reindeer to cook supper.
From John Barleycorn by Jack London
We had been shovelling for an hour and more.
From Sir John Constantine Memoirs of His Adventures At Home and Abroad and Particularly in the Island of Corsica: Beginning with the Year 1756 by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
His face and hands were dirty, but he had been shovelling coal; but such speech Shirley had never heard from mariners' lips.
From Mrs. Cliff's Yacht by Frank Richard Stockton
Katherine dropped the sugar scoop with which she had been shovelling out brown sugar, and, crossing over to where Miles was standing, gave him a hearty hug and a resounding kiss.
From A Countess from Canada A Story of Life in the Backwoods by Bessie Marchant
