shovel
noun
an implement consisting of a broad blade or scoop attached to a long handle, used for taking up, removing, or throwing loose matter, as earth, snow, or coal.
were shoveling
-
past progressiveof shovel.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.
It’s no coincidence that you mention you were shoveling snow at 8 years old.
From MarketWatch ● Mar. 30, 2026
While many bogus applications were weeded out, many more were approved — particularly in the early months, when agencies were shoveling money out based on applicants’ self-certification.
From Washington Times ● Feb. 8, 2023
Even though the house appeared unchanged, he added, “we were shoveling hoards of cash into this property.”
From New York Times ● Apr. 21, 2022
As I walked through the nearly-empty streets of the recently cleared out downtown on Sunday evening, locals were shoveling snow, restocking groceries and trying not to make eye contact.
From Slate ● Feb. 23, 2022
Men in the lane were shoveling garbage onto the bed of the truck.
From Full of Beans by Jennifer L. Holm
