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.
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 there’s a push-pull where I really was wanting to do the EMT episode and the dog track one.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 9, 2025
He was thinking, I am quite sure, of his beloved daughter, and he was wanting to join her in heaven.
From "Boy: Tales of a Childhood" by Roald Dahl
