pine
noun
any evergreen, conifer of the genus Pinus, having long, needle-shaped leaves, certain species of which yield timber, turpentine, tar, pitch, etc.
have been pining
-
present perfect progressiveof pine.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.
Investors have been pining to own SpaceX for years.
From Barron's ● May 24, 2026
For decades engineers, architects, futurists, industrialists, investors and politicians have been pining for a better, faster and cheaper way to build homes.
From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 14, 2026
California’s amusement parks have been pining to reopen for months, hoping to bring back thousands of workers sent home in March when the coronavirus pandemic forced them to close their gates.
From Washington Times ● Oct. 21, 2020
The reasons could all be personal, for instance that I was evicted from my apartment midway through the year, so that in my listening life I may have been pining for a sense of home.
From Slate ● Dec. 17, 2019
Oh, that's all right," said the MARKISS; "if there's one thing the Heligolanders have been pining for since date of their birth, it is for union with Germany.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 99, July 12, 1890 by Various
