search
verb (used with object)
to go or look through (a place, area, etc.) carefully in order to find something missing or lost.
were searching
-
past progressiveof search.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.
We were searching for a way out, and we were searching for something to do, and John was very, very brilliant and was very much a contrarian, and he didn’t think like other people.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 15, 2026
The parade was canceled, and authorities said they were searching for one or more suspects.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 26, 2026
The researchers identified the cells they were searching for: so called immature neurons, which resemble young neurons that have not yet fully matured.
From Science Daily ● Jul. 3, 2026
As part of the investigation, the Met said officers are investigating a separate altercation at an address on Great Dover Street, Southwark, earlier on Wednesday, and were searching a property in south-east London.
From BBC ● Apr. 30, 2026
The Chaplain was saying, “You said you were searching for news of the Grumman expedition, Lord Asriel. Was Dr. Grumman investigating this phenomenon too?”
From "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman
