lean
verb (used without object)
to incline or bend from a vertical position.
was leaning
-
past progressiveof lean.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 was leaning toward a Hyatt Place near Heathrow to earn points and loyalty perks.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 7, 2026
“I was leaning towards coming back the whole time,” Mack said of mulling retirement before signing a one-year, $18-million contract in March to remain with the Chargers.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026
Images on social media showed one of its supporting stone piers was leaning at an angle and part of the metalwork had twisted and fallen into the river.
From BBC ● Dec. 14, 2025
WASHINGTON—President Trump said he was leaning toward choosing either former Fed governor Kevin Warsh or National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett to lead the Federal Reserve next year.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 12, 2025
He was leaning over the seat of the bus laughing in her ear about her coat, which I always thought was cool.
From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri
