smile
verb (used without object)
to assume a facial expression indicating pleasure, favor, or amusement, but sometimes derision or scorn, characterized by an upturning of the corners of the mouth.
was smiling
-
past progressiveof smile.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 so happy to see Messi and people watching us. I felt so excited and I was smiling, and a little bit nervous," she recalls.
From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026
One of the men was smiling as he was escorted to a make-shift medical tent, while the remaining three could be seen in emotional embraces with rescuers.
From BBC ● May 30, 2026
I was smiling because I was remembering the square root of eight.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 8, 2026
Then Saturday night, they defeated Mitty for the third straight year with a performance so dominant that Delus was smiling at times in the second half.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 15, 2025
I looked past her shoulder and saw Henek coming into the room, a girl right behind him, and he was smiling.
From "The Light in Hidden Places" by Sharon Cameron
