scan
verb (used with object)
to glance at or over or read hastily.
was scanning
-
past progressiveof scan.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.
Thomas was scanning on farmland belonging to Geraint Edwards, in Llanuwchllyn, Gwynedd, for about 20 minutes when his detector alerted him.
From BBC ● Sep. 17, 2026
The Apache was scanning the night sky for Iranian threats to commercial ships below shortly after 1 a.m. local time on Tuesday when the drone detonated directly in front of it, U.S. officials said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 13, 2026
Kelsey Mann was scanning some old photos when he came to a series of pictures from his childhood birthdays and was struck by what he saw.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 19, 2024
When I spoke to him near the end of the luncheon, he was scanning the room for Miranda, note in hand.
From New York Times ● Mar. 7, 2022
She ran her free hand across the sky as if she was scanning a movie marquee.
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
