yawn
verb (used without object)
to open the mouth somewhat involuntarily with a prolonged, deep inhalation and sighing or heavy exhalation, as from drowsiness or boredom.
had been yawning
-
past perfect progressiveof yawn.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.
Laborites, who had been yawning and sprawling on their benches, came to life.
From Time Magazine Archive
Reggie van Tuyl, who had been yawning in a hopeless sort of way, showed his first flicker of interest.
From Indiscretions of Archie by P. G. (Pelham Grenville) Wodehouse
Miss Bennett, who had been yawning on the drive home, walked straight to the staircase.
From Manslaughter by Alice Duer Miller
If hell itself had been yawning at my feet, I was content.
From To Win the Love He Sought The Great Awakening: Volume 3 by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
"Me," spoke up Nick, who had been yawning at a prodigious rate for the last half hour.
From Motor Boat Boys Down the Coast or Through Storm and Stress to Florida by Louis Arundel
