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
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
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
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
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
