shovel
noun
an implement consisting of a broad blade or scoop attached to a long handle, used for taking up, removing, or throwing loose matter, as earth, snow, or coal.
was shoveling
-
past progressiveof shovel.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.
Advice from a MarketWatch reader: ‘I was shoveling sidewalks at 8 years old’: I’m a 73-year-old boomer dad with two kids.
From MarketWatch ● Apr. 3, 2026
Tim Kirkland of the family that owns the RV business said Starks was an employee and was shoveling snow to allow vehicles into the parking lot.
From Seattle Times ● Dec. 3, 2022
“She was shoveling donkey dung into a pail. I asked her if she thought things had changed for the better. She replied, ‘This city is like donkey dung.
From Washington Post ● Oct. 1, 2021
I was shoveling the snow from my driveway by myself the other evening, and they saw me, immediately came over and said "we will help you".
From New York Times ● Jan. 11, 2018
When I came back to the table, Luke was shoveling the cereal in his mouth as fast as he could.
From "Three Little Words: A Memoir" by Ashley Rhodes-Courter
