pump
noun
an apparatus or machine for raising, driving, exhausting, or compressing fluids or gases by means of a piston, plunger, or set of rotating vanes.
was pumping
-
past progressiveof pump.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 adrenaline was pumping, but I was also nervous,” Villareal said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2026
The Qataris produced mostly gas and U.A.E. was pumping approximately 3.4 million barrels, accounting for just a few percentage points of OPEC’s overall output.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 25, 2026
Before the current conflict, Iran was pumping up to 3.5 million barrels a day, exporting roughly half of that.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 10, 2026
Everything was vibrating, my heart was pumping and I jumped to the window.
From BBC ● Jan. 3, 2026
Madam called for tea in her bedchamber the next morning and sent for Ruth, who was pumping the butter churn with vigor.
From "Chains" by Laurie Halse Anderson
