had been swirling
Past perfect progressive conjugation of swirl. There are other translations for this conjugation.

swirl

Popularity
500+ learners.
Many also admitted to being puzzled, and even skeptical, about the allegations of anti-Semitism that had been swirling around the film for months.
Muchos también admitieron el desconcierto e incluso el escepticismo sobre los alegatos del antisemitismo que se habían estado formulando con anterioridad alrededor de la película.
Other Dictionaries
Explore the meaning of swirl in our family of products.
Word of the Day
candy cane