crawl
verb (used without object)
to move in a prone position with the body resting on or close to the ground, as a worm or caterpillar, or on the hands and knees, as a young child.
has been crawling
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present perfect progressiveof crawl (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.
Consumer sentiment has been crawling off its all-time lows, as news of a ceasefire agreement and a retreat in gasoline prices lift households’ spirits.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
Tuberculosis has been crawling its way back into the spotlight.
From Slate ● Mar. 28, 2025
For months now, Seattle’s live music industry has been crawling out of hibernation about as fast as your favorite slowcore band on tranquilizers.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 17, 2021
The outside of cockroaches is actually surprisingly clean, Schal says, unless the roach has been crawling all over your toilet bowl right before coming to your bed.
From The Verge ● Jun. 6, 2018
I dare say that the horrid thing has been crawling all over it!
From Dick and His Cat and Other Tales by Cooper, Florence M.
