catch
verb (used with object)
to seize or capture, especially after pursuit: to catch a runaway horse.
was catching
-
past progressiveof catch.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.
It seemed more likely to Egan that the Betterment survey was catching the leading edge of a troubling mindset shift.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 20, 2026
The patio was catching the late afternoon sun, and the olive oil surrounding the gigantes — those enormous, tender butter beans — seemed almost gilded.
From Salon ● Jun. 16, 2026
However, that wasn’t what was catching investors’ attention as other metrics were more encouraging.
From Barron's ● Feb. 26, 2026
The following year, Witkoff was catching up with Eric and Don Jr. when he noticed they looked “downtrodden,” Witkoff told the Journal last year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Feb. 8, 2026
I couldn’t ask Pa what that meant without him knowing I’d been eavesdropping on growned folks’ conversations, but I was catching on that it waren’t a good thing to be.
From "Elijah of Buxton" by Christopher Paul Curtis
