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 shovelling
-
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.
Haki Mohammed and his brothers were shovelling manure on their farm in Yusifiyah in the spring of 2003 when the soldier arrived.
From The Guardian ● Jan. 7, 2011
In thirty seconds they were shovelling earth out from the hedgerow under the horse's feet, and in two minutes more he had scrambled up, unhurt.
From Change in the Village by George Sturt
The men were shovelling away at fallen leaves, so I accosted them in my friendliest Dutch and said: “Stop de tram overal?”
From The Further Adventures of O'Neill in Holland by J. Irwin Brown
Dinner was already served––beans, fried mutton, and bread, spread upon a greasy canvas––and the hungry herders were shovelling it down with knives in their own primitive way when Hardy rode up the slope.
From Hidden Water by Maynard Dixon
They were shovelling strenuously, and the thud of the sand they flung out jarred on the silence, for the night was very still.
From For Jacinta by Harold Bindloss
