whiten
verb (used with or without object)
to make or become white.
was whitening
-
past progressiveof whiten.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.
The man's hair was whitening, the lines of ordeal were carved in his face, and he was gaunt beneath his suntan.
From Time Magazine Archive
He was leaning forward and already the salt was whitening his body.
From "Lord of the Flies" by William Golding
As he watched, instead of feeling the thrill of triumph that influenced the crew, David Pollard's face was whitening with anxiety.
From The Submarine Boys on Duty Life of a Diving Torpedo Boat by Victor G. Durham
But here she paused; our eyes had met, And I was whitening with the jeer; She rose: 'I went too far,' she said; Spoke low: 'Forgive me, dear.
From Goblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other Poems by Christina Georgina Rossetti
The cold, grey light of dawn was whitening the wall When the Boy, fine-drawn by sleeplessness, started his ritual.
From Men, Women and Ghosts by Amy Lowell
