was drumming
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past progressiveof drum.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
drumnouna musical percussion instrument consisting of a hollow, usually cylindrical, body covered at one or both ends with a tightly stretched membrane, or head, which is struck with the hand, a stick, or a pair of sticks, and typically produces a booming, tapping, or hollow sound.
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.
Film magazine Variety said Malkovich was "drumming up awards buzz" and tipped him for a possible first best actor Oscar at the next awards ceremony.
From Barron's ● Sep. 12, 2026
This past holiday, I was drumming up anticipation to my husband over what I got him, and his response was, “Check with Jackson first, I know he already got most of the stuff I wanted.”
From Slate ● Jan. 11, 2024
"I was surprised that I was able to recognise who was drumming after just a few weeks in the forest," she said.
From BBC ● Sep. 6, 2022
I was drumming my mechanical pencil on the table for five minutes straight, stumped on this one problem, and barely had the stamina to continue.
From Scientific American ● Jul. 28, 2021
I sighed, and I was drumming my fingers on the steering column and all.
From "Feed" by M.T. Anderson
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