contain
verb (used with object)
to hold or include within its volume or area.
were containing
-
past progressiveof contain.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.
"These boxes were containing all types of personal belongings. Many, many things. Shirts and shoes and everything," Trump added.
From Salon ● Jun. 14, 2023
The European Union was closing in on American vaccination rates — it overtook them in July — and members were containing coronavirus infections as cases were rising in the United States.
From New York Times ● Nov. 8, 2021
Firefighting tugs were posted around the vessel and were containing the fire to prevent it from spreading to the rest of the cargo ship, said JJ Brickett, federal incident commander for the Canadian Coast Guard.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 24, 2021
The announcement added to optimism that policy makers were containing the European sovereign debt crisis after the leaders of France and Germany yesterday confirmed they will support Greece’s continued participation in the shared euro currency.
From BusinessWeek ● Sep. 15, 2011
These were divided into three classes; the second, in which the Brontës were, containing sixty students.
From Emily Brontë by A. Mary F. (Agnes Mary Frances) Robinson
