burst
verb (used without object)
to break, break open, or fly apart with sudden violence.
was bursting
-
past progressiveof burst.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Fears that a bubble was bursting in chip stocks were alleviated by reports of robust demand for SK Hynix’s new American depositary receipts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 9, 2026
That was the sign that the dot-com bubble was bursting.
From MarketWatch ● Dec. 26, 2025
A new artist by the name of Lady Gaga was bursting onto the scene!
From Salon ● Jun. 9, 2025
I was bursting with joy and ready to go.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 14, 2025
Matt was bursting to tell him to dump the Five Principles of Good Citizenship and the Four Attitudes Leading to Right- Mindfulness and head over the fence to San Luis.
From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer
