percolate
verb (used with object)
to cause (a liquid) to pass through a porous body; filter.
was percolating
-
past progressiveof percolate.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.
The Vietnam War was percolating, and there were student demonstrations.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 8, 2025
At the same time, a new sound was percolating in the underground.
From New York Times ● Dec. 22, 2021
"When we got to Congress in 1995, our orientation prepared us for everything that was percolating in the body politic," Jackson said, referring to himself and Watkins.
From Salon ● Jun. 13, 2021
In early 2000, after a relaxation on the laws around music, the pop market opened up in Iran and, through the internet, underground music which was percolating behind closed doors began to spread out.
From BBC ● Jan. 22, 2020
The coffee really was percolating at Mrs. Windermere’s, and the kitchen was that kind of warm that goes right into you, like a blanket.
From "Okay for Now" by Gary D. Schmidt
