were painting
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past progressiveof paint.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
paintnouna substance composed of solid coloring matter suspended in a liquid medium and applied as a protective or decorative coating to various surfaces, or to canvas or other materials in producing a work of art.
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 prosecutor's office is already investigating a criminal complaint regarding the 958,000-euro renovation of the tower's surrounding 700-metre wall, for which workers were painting a brick-effect concrete facade instead of laying brick cladding.
From Barron's ● Jul. 17, 2026
But about five years ago, a university committee began to uncover how standard accounting measures were painting a misleading financial picture.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 17, 2026
I walked over to a table where a group of women were painting book covers as part of their book club.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 1, 2025
"I remember going to Rick's house and they were painting Rick's kitchen, and Val got up on top of the refrigerator and did 20 minutes of Hamlet. Never missed a word."
From BBC ● Apr. 4, 2025
Only days ago Vonetta, Fern, and I were painting protest signs and shouting, “FREE HUEY!” and “POWER TO THE PEOPLE!”
From "P.S. Be Eleven" by Rita Williams-Garcia
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