want
verb (used with object)
to feel a need or a desire for; wish for.
was wanting
-
past progressiveof want.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 had a decision to make - Dorrian said "everyone was wanting a piece of him" and he was "under a lot of pressure" to select Gaelic football - which is an amateur sport.
From BBC ● May 15, 2026
For any painting he decided was wanting, Soutine kept a razor blade in his studio to shred it.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025
“And I ran out of formula last night. I was wanting to see if y’all could help with formula.”
From Salon ● Nov. 16, 2025
"He was wanting to play on, and that probably makes us a wee bit nervous with how tough he is and having to come off. Fingers crossed."
From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2025
I think he would have been considerate and gentle, and have understood what I was wanting from him.
From "Never Let Me Go" by Kazuo Ishiguro
