cipher
noun
a secret method of writing or recording data, such as by substituting or adding letters or numbers, using specially formed symbols, or the like; code.
was ciphering
-
past progressiveof cipher.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.
I had the Unabridged, and I was ciphering around in the back end, hoping I might tree her among the pictures.
From Alonzo Fitz and Other Stories by Twain, Mark
It gave me a positive shock to discover that she was ciphering in vulgar fractions and that her spelling was, to say the least, crude.
From Lippincott's Magazine, Vol. 22, September, 1878 by Various
He was ciphering in fractions at school, and what most puzzled him were the figures set to the bass.
From Winning His Way by Coffin, Charles Carleton
I had the Unabridged; and I was ciphering around in the back end, hoping I might tree her among the pictures.
From Recitations for the Social Circle by Harvey, James Clarence
Benjamin was obliged to labor diligently when he was at home from school, but every spare moment he could catch he was ciphering, and planning how to make things.
From The Freedmen's Book by Child, Lydia Maria Francis
