return
verb (used without object)
to go or come back, as to a former place, position, or state: to return to public office;
were returning
-
past progressiveof return.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.
There is no material difference in the running stats, but United were returning 2.29 points per game compared to the 0.8 this season.
From BBC ● Sep. 21, 2026
It was the sense that we were returning to the uncharted waters of when we first met.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 11, 2026
In an earnings call last week, Yum Brands said sales were returning in the wake of the cyclospora outbreak, helped by $1 deals on some of Taco Bell’s lettuce-free items.
From MarketWatch ● Aug. 4, 2026
But the sun had started to set, and people were returning home from the beach or shopping at malls when the ground began to shake.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026
His senses told him the searchers were returning.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
