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.
He said he was hoping his organic wine would emerge intact after the fires, but was waiting for the end of the winemaking process to be sure.
From Barron's ● Aug. 6, 2026
But some reporters pressed Warsh on what he was waiting for to begin raising rates.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 2026
I was waiting at a bar for a dinner table and the guy I was chatting with was pretty upset about his tax bill.
From MarketWatch ● Jul. 19, 2026
Inside the terminal, Edythe Bull, 72, had missed the bus and was waiting for the next one.
From Slate ● Jul. 7, 2026
“That’s a happy tune,” Pa said as he tossed a pitchfork of hay up on the wagon, where I was waiting to spread it out.
From "The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs" by Betty G. Birney
