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.
Barreto said one of those arrested, a 14-year-old boy, was "smiling as if he had just beaten a level in a game."
From Barron's ● Aug. 12, 2026
"He was smiling a lot, engaged in the battle and having fun with the challenge."
From BBC ● May 24, 2026
“Listening to the sound of the Dodgers game and having 100 people just meditating at the top of the city — I was smiling ear-to-ear.”
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 3, 2025
As Andy Coleman walked out of his photo opportunity, he was smiling from ear to ear and described the experience as "surreal".
From BBC ● Jul. 12, 2025
Loki was trying to look serious, but even so, he was smiling at the corners of his mouth.
From "Norse Mythology" by Neil Gaiman
