peck
verb (used with object)
to strike or indent with the beak, as a bird does, or with some pointed instrument, especially with quick, repeated movements.
were pecking
-
past progressiveof peck.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.
Dr. Malcolm pointed into the corner at the dodos, who were pecking intently at bits of barbed wire and pieces of wood, crying, “Doo! Doo!” in what sounded like great excitement.
From Washington Post ● Feb. 3, 2023
“Eyeball a couple of those for us and help us out. They were pecking away at us yesterday.”
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 17, 2021
On the other side of the sliding-glass door, near the pool, a few chickens had gathered and were pecking at the ground in the sun.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 3, 2020
Elsewhere on the slab, pterosaurs walked around and even left indentations in the ground where they were pecking for something to eat.
From New York Times ● Jan. 31, 2018
There were still prairie chickens around in those days, and they were pecking dirt.
From "A Long Way from Chicago" by Richard Peck
