close
verb (used with object)
to put (something) in a position to obstruct an entrance, opening, etc.; shut.
has been closing
-
present perfect progressiveof close (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
America has been closing refineries for decades—it has 128 fewer than it did in 1982.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
In these tough times, some discount chains have been thriving, but California’s Grocery Outlet has been closing stores as it tries to remedy a hangover of overexpansion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 30, 2026
Gemini has been closing the gap with ChatGPT, with 650 million monthly active users to ChatGPT’s 800 million weekly active users.
From Barron's ● Nov. 24, 2025
"That place has been closing for the past 30 years," he says, between mouths of lasagne.
From BBC ● Mar. 27, 2025
You will understand then the net that has been closing around your country.
From The Great Prince Shan by E. Phillips (Edward Phillips) Oppenheim
