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
Up in the bedroom Elaine's maid, Marie, had been unpacking.
From The Romance of Elaine Sequel to "Exploits of Elaine" by Arthur B. (Arthur Benjamin) Reeve
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
While they were in the garden Mrs Vallery had been unpacking her trunks, and wishing to show Fanny a dress she had brought from Paris for her, called her in.
From Norman Vallery or, How to Overcome Evil with Good by William Henry Giles Kingston
Just then the footmen who had been unpacking Tanty's trunks from the first carriage laid a great wooden box upon the porch, and one of them asked Rupert which room they should bring it to.
From The Light of Scarthey by Egerton Castle
