whittling

American  

[hwit-ling, wit-] / ˈʰwɪt lɪŋ, ˈwɪt- /

noun

1. the act of a person who whittles.

2. Often whittlings. a bit or chip whittled off.

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Etymology

Origin of whittling

First recorded in 1605–15; whittle + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

But the key is to put a cap on how much you spend to avoid falling into the trap of whittling away your winnings.

From MarketWatch

What that does is test the creativity of Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman to devise ways to fortify the line and protect Herbert without whittling away too many offensive options.

From Los Angeles Times

Billed as a fundraiser, the debt-ridden centre said the money from the portfolios would go towards whittling down a long list of overdue bills, including unpaid wages for educators.

From BBC

Seated alone at the defence table and dressed in a grey jacket and red-striped tie, Routh joined the process of whittling down 180 local residents to 12 jurors and four alternates.

From BBC

Doing so would fast-track the bills into law without the normal whittling down that happens in committee hearings.

From Los Angeles Times