swab
noun
a large mop used on shipboard for cleaning decks, living quarters, etc.
was swabbing
-
past progressiveof swab.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.
In one instance, she happened to notice the scene unfolding because she was swabbing toilets in the bridge parking lot.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 1, 2022
While the veterinarian was swabbing the cat’s nose, the animal sneezed in her face.
From New York Times ● Jun. 10, 2022
A doctor was swabbing his head with a brown substance.
From New York Times ● Dec. 30, 2015
Fortunately, no serious damage had been done, and no one hurt except Hank, and his injury was due to a slip and fall that might have occurred even when he was swabbing down the deck.
From Two Boys of the Battleship or For the Honor of Uncle Sam by Frank V. Webster
Scotty was swabbing the deck of the cockpit as casually as though trouble was the last thing on his mind.
From The Flying Stingaree by Harold L. (Harold Leland) Goodwin
