exchange
verb (used with object)
to give up (something) for something else; part with for some equivalent; change for another.
were exchanging
-
past progressiveof exchange.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.
As they were exchanging back slaps and handshakes, someone hurled the first insult: “Did My Little Pony throw up in your closet? I hate it when that happens.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 30, 2026
By the following spring, they were exchanging a flurry of scathing diss tracks, each diving deeper into the other’s personal life.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 19, 2025
Perhaps they were exchanging notes on the opposition they face this weekend after Wales had defeated Fiji and Argentina lost to England in the group stages.
From BBC ● Oct. 14, 2023
At one point, an organizer who was selling Avon makeup, Karina Sanchez, paused the cumbia music to make an announcement: They were exchanging older, smaller denomination créditos for newer, larger ones.
From New York Times ● Aug. 6, 2022
They were exchanging inanities about the size and terrors of New York, but my body knew that the conversation was about something far more threatening.
From "Jacob Have I Loved" by Katherine Paterson
