twirl
verb (used with object)
to cause to rotate rapidly; spin; revolve; whirl.
had been twirling
-
past perfect progressiveof twirl.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.
Not that he had been twirling his thumbs before the pandemic, with roles in such big English-language films as “The Magnificent Seven,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Widows” and “6 Underground.”
From New York Times ● May 17, 2022
Toni Veal, the head coach, was chastising two young turners who had been twirling ropes for a jumper but had failed to align with her rhythm.
From New York Times ● Nov. 27, 2019
He had been twirling his glass for some time, but he stopped and removed his hand from the table.
From Violists by Richard McGowan
Fleming, who had been twirling his moustache eyeward somewhat viciously, suddenly quit that refuge for the perturbed.
From The Ruby Sword A Romance of Baluchistan by Bertram Mitford
I nodded to her hand, on which was the ring he had given her and which she had been twirling as she talked.
From Kitty Canary by Kate Langley Bosher
