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.

Chevron’s U.S. refineries were pumping out fuel at a record rate.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 1, 2026

Investors were pumping the brakes on Tuesday, but this comes after the S&P 500 posted a 22.8% gain from May to the end of October.

From MarketWatch • Nov. 4, 2025

They were pumping us full of vitamins to try to make our bodies feel right.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2024

The waves were pumping, and she excused herself.

From New York Times • Jan. 19, 2024

She could hear his heart beating loudly as though it were pumping double, triple its normal rate.

From "Krik? Krak!" by Edwidge Danticat