wait
verb (used without object)
to remain inactive or in a state of repose, as until something expected happens (often followed by for, till, oruntil ).
was waiting
-
past progressiveof wait.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.
She was waiting at the curb with a priority bag tag and wheeled my bag into the cordoned off Delta One check-in area.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 23, 2026
His legs, which had been spread more than 2 1/2 feet apart while he was waiting for the pitch, are a foot closer together.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 2, 2026
The coroner said he was waiting on a report on the full post-mortem examinations into the men's deaths, a report from the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and a police collision report.
From BBC ● Aug. 27, 2026
His wife was waiting to undergo a caesarean section at the ward, which serves patients on modest incomes, but was told that she had to take her baby and leave after the procedure.
From Barron's ● Aug. 27, 2026
Maybe he was waiting for me to go first.
From "Bye Forever, I Guess" by Jodi Meadows
