unpack
verb (used with object)
to undo or remove the contents from (a box, trunk, etc.).
had been unpacking
-
past perfect progressiveof unpack.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.
Moving into Downing Street at the weekend, the chancellor said it was a "big change" for her whole family, but that her husband had been unpacking most of the boxes so far.
From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2024
Martin had been unpacking some goods which had just come in and didn't get behind the counter until afternoon.
From Dawson Black: Retail Merchant by Harold Whitehead
She had been unpacking and had taken, on the advice of Mademoiselle, her heavy boots and outdoor things down to the basement room.
From Pointed Roofs Pilgrimage, Volume 1 by Dorothy Miller Richardson
In the morning the housemaid was terrified by the impression of a hand in the dust of the 'little parlour' table, where they had been unpacking delft and other things the day before.
From The House by the Church-Yard by Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu
Meanwhile, Mary had been unpacking the trunk and laying Hortense's things away in the drawers of a great bureau.
From The Cat in Grandfather's House by Carl Henry Grabo
