churn
noun
a container or machine in which cream or milk is agitated to make butter.
were churning
-
past progressiveof churn.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.
Two powerful hurricanes and a strengthening tropical storm on Wednesday were churning through the Pacific Ocean where waters were being warmed by a historically strong El Nino climate episode.
From Barron's ● Sep. 2, 2026
They landed hard and quick — Bryan was singing with a rugged howl, guitars were churning, the fiddle poked through the top like a squeal.
From New York Times ● Mar. 6, 2024
In fact, they were churning out huge quantities of it as both a unit of currency and a commodity to be sold near and far.
From Scientific American ● Sep. 15, 2022
Newer specialty magazines like Gourmet and Bon Appétit were churning out content alongside stalwarts like Good Housekeeping and Better Homes and Gardens.
From Seattle Times ● Mar. 2, 2022
All the kids in their group clasped their hands together, moving their arms in a circle like they were churning butter.
From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin
