dip
verb (used with object)
to plunge (something, as a cloth or sponge) temporarily into a liquid, so as to moisten it, dye it, or cause it to take up some of the liquid.
were dipping
-
past progressiveof dip.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.
His oxygen levels were dipping every hour and he needed to be put on a ventilator, but the hospital didn't have any free.
From BBC ● Mar. 24, 2025
Soon enough, our kids had left the trail and were dipping their toes in the waterfall’s pool and looking for salamanders.
From Seattle Times ● May 5, 2022
Teachers were dipping into the supplies, too, to pick up snacks for students they were visiting at their homes.
From New York Times ● Mar. 27, 2020
A winter storm on Thursday left a fresh layer of 10 inches of snow on the course and temperatures were dipping to single digits at night, ideal conditions for the dogs.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 29, 2020
You said it softly, slowly, like you were waiting for them to interrupt you, like you were dipping one toe into the ocean to test the water.
From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy
