swirl
verb (used without object)
to move around or along with a whirling motion; whirl; eddy.
had been swirling
-
past perfect progressiveof swirl.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.
Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran Program Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said this debate had been swirling around leadership circles.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026
Speculation surrounding Rodgers’ comeback had been swirling for months after the veteran quarterback was spotted at the Steelers’ training facilities, sparking widespread rumors that a reunion was imminent.
From MarketWatch ● May 29, 2026
Rumours about the adaptation of the popular life simulator, which first launched more than 20 years ago in 2000, had been swirling for several months.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2024
Rumors of Nauru shifting diplomatic ties had been swirling for some time, said Anna Powles, a senior lecturer in security studies at Massey University in New Zealand.
From New York Times ● Jan. 15, 2024
He stood up, feeling a little woozy from the images that had been swirling in his vision.
From "The Kill Order (Maze Runner, Book Four; Origin)" by James Dashner
