squirm
verb (used without object)
to wriggle or writhe.
had been squirming
-
past perfect progressiveof squirm.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.
The baby in my arms had been squirming and whimpering all this while, but suddenly he exploded in shrill wails.
From "Rump: The (Fairly) True Story of Rumpelstilskin" by Liesl Shurtliff
Sid Chamberlain had been squirming as though he were afflicted with ants, trying to contain himself.
From Omnilingual by Kelly Freas
The cook had been squirming and muttering to himself for minutes.
From Let'Em Breathe Space by Lester Del Rey
Here the child, who had been squirming with impatience, piped up, “I want to go an’ see my doggie in his little house!” he declared.
From The House in the Water A Book of Animal Stories by Charles Livingston Bull
Under his hostess's consistent courtesy and marked attentions George Harley had been squirming during the first half of dinner.
From Who Cares? a story of adolescence by Cosmo Hamilton
