Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A fire broke out last month on the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford, which has been sailing around the world for nearly 10 months—a near record deployment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 2, 2026
Since July, the Yuan Wang 5 has been sailing from China to Hambantota port on the southern tip of Sri Lanka after Sri Lankan officials approved a stop there for “replenishment.”
From Washington Post ● Aug. 11, 2022
Becerra has been sailing in rocky seas, battered by criticism that he appeared disengaged from the Biden administration’s pandemic response.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 19, 2022
Though the date of the shooting is unknown, he said that he believed it occurred in 2013 in the Indian Ocean, where the Chun I 217 has been sailing for the last five years.
From New York Times ● Jul. 20, 2015
She has been sailing under false colors long enough.”
From Dolly's College Experiences by Mabel Cronise Jones
