eat
verb (used with object)
to take into the mouth and swallow for nourishment; chew and swallow (food).
has been eating
-
present perfect progressiveof eat (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.
During the marathon, he has been eating lightly and drinking fluids while taking the permitted five minutes of rest for every continuous hour of activity.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2026
The Navy, meanwhile, has been eating into Iran’s control of the strait by steadily shepherding tankers through the waterway.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 1, 2026
A self-described hippie and former Hells Angel, Cassar has been eating here for 50 years, long before he became diabetic.
From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 23, 2023
Unlike his followers, Mr. Mackenzie has been eating in prison, the authorities say.
From New York Times ● Jun. 15, 2023
It has been eating away at my soul.
From "The London Eye Mystery" by Siobhan Dowd
