Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Ukraine's energy network, already pummelled by Russian attacks over more than four years of war, was buckling under the high temperatures on Monday.
From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026
The vessel also had an acoustic monitoring device - essentially mics fixed to the sub listening for signs it was buckling or breaking.
From BBC ● Sep. 14, 2024
The last time I saw her, I was three and she was buckling my seatbelt in the back of my father’s car.
From Salon ● May 11, 2024
And in the wake of the storm, the wall was buckling under the weight of the earthen mass, threatening dozens of residents.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 22, 2023
I kept my eyes on the strap I was buckling.
From "Cold Sassy Tree" by Olive Ann Burns
