spend
verb (used with object)
to pay out, disburse, or expend; dispose of (money, wealth, resources, etc.).
were spending
-
past progressiveof spend.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.
TikTok began closing the gap in 2024, when US adults were spending nearly as much time on the app as on Netflix, according to eMarketer data.
From Barron's ● Jul. 16, 2026
Officers were spending two years with the department, picking up “unbelievable training and experience,” only to leave for other agencies, she said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 27, 2026
"Mourinho was on the phone - the best manager in the world at the time, offering silly contracts, which would naturally turn your head. Chelsea were spending fortunes, he was guaranteed success there," he says.
From BBC ● May 12, 2026
At Bank of America, customers were spending about 16% more on gas.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 15, 2026
I must have some worth if the Mehtas were spending money for music.
From "Homeless Bird" by Gloria Whelan
