traverse
verb (used with object)
to pass or move over, along, or through.
had been traversing
-
past perfect progressiveof traverse.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 Professor Molchanov, a ship that had been traversing Arctic waters on scientific expeditions for more than four decades, offered a workaround.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 25, 2026
Prior to the interruption, Voyager 1 had been traversing a mysterious new region of interstellar space—perhaps an enormous swell of pressure or a cloud of ancient plasma—and scientists are eager to resume the investigation.
From Science Magazine ● May 23, 2024
With no electricity and supplies almost gone, "desperate" locals had been traversing floodwaters where large crocodiles had been seen, he said.
From BBC ● Dec. 18, 2023
“Being myself and not caring what other people think,” said Ginny, a camper who was wearing the dark-green romper and platform wedges she had been traversing nature in with surprising ease.
From New York Times ● Sep. 4, 2022
If I had been traversing this strange, and in many parts beautiful, country under other circumstances I might have found much to interest me.
From Athelstane Ford by Allen Upward
