tumble
verb (used without object)
to fall helplessly down, end over end, as by losing one's footing, support, or equilibrium; plunge headlong.
had been tumbling
-
past perfect progressiveof tumble.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 Lobos had been tumbling toward the bubble by losing five of eight, including to last-place Air Force at home, before routing Fresno State on Tuesday night.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 7, 2024
He says shoe prices had been tumbling ever since he set up shop in Hong Kong in 1988, but not any more.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 21, 2011
Zond 5 had been tumbling as it approached the moon, he said, but it was finally stabilized.
From Time Magazine Archive
For the moment she forgot all the thoughts that had been tumbling through her head back in the dorm.
From "When Dimple Met Rishi" by Sandhya Menon
A plan had been tumbling about in his head.
From "The Whipping Boy" by Sid Fleischman
