scatter
verb (used with object)
to throw loosely about; distribute at irregular intervals.
were scattering
-
past progressiveof scatter.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.
Forces at Mali's Tessalit military base, a "super-camp" near the Algerian border, surrendered and were scattering southward, an official from the Tuareg-dominated FLA separatist group told AFP.
From Barron's ● May 1, 2026
The companies that were scattering these scooters everywhere, like Bird and Lime, seemed to epitomize tech-bro arrogance.
From The Verge ● Sep. 24, 2018
Before he had even slowed to a stop, the group of young men who were hanging out on the stoop spotted him and were scattering.
From New York Times ● Dec. 15, 2011
Guys were scattering in the dugout and we lost sight of it.
From Newsweek ● Jul. 16, 2010
Her fellow warriors were scattering, running in panic as the bulls charged.
From "The Sea of Monsters" by Rick Riordan
