shovel
noun
an implement consisting of a broad blade or scoop attached to a long handle, used for taking up, removing, or throwing loose matter, as earth, snow, or coal.
have been shoveling
-
present perfect progressiveof shovel.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.
He said 35 workers have been shoveling targeted walkways — such as Sixth Avenue South in the Chinatown International District — and cleared 300 to 600 curb cuts a day.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 30, 2021
Young and old have been shoveling, hoisting iron buckets and packing layers on top of layers of mortar.
From New York Times ● Sep. 29, 2021
Police officers have been shoveling snow outside the church.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 12, 2019
By the way, we played for quite a while in the snow on Sunday and Monday and I have been shoveling snow every day to make sure my sidewalks are safe and passable.
From New York Times ● Dec. 29, 2010
In the weeks since the fire, workmen have been shoveling blackened remains of books into trash bins and hanging the sodden survivors on lines to dry in front of enormous electric fans.
From Time Magazine Archive
