hoover
verb (used with object)
to clean with a vacuum cleaner.
was hoovering
-
past progressiveof hoover.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.
A widely expected glut never materialized because Beijing was hoovering up so much crude to add to storage.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
Gaveston was low-born, arrogant, prone to insulting the nobility, and was hoovering up titles and wealth at the expense of those who thought themselves more entitled.
From Salon ● Jul. 25, 2022
Back in 2011, online flash-sales pioneer Gilt Groupe was flying high with a $1 billion valuation and was hoovering up millions in venture capital from investors who believed it was poised for a big, industry-shaking future.
From Washington Post ● Jan. 7, 2016
Mum couldn’t hear 'cause the washing machine was on berserk cycle and she was hoovering the living room.
From "Black Swan Green" by David Mitchell
