whittle
verb (used with object)
to cut, trim, or shape (a stick, piece of wood, etc.) by carving off bits with a knife.
are whittling
-
present progressiveof whittle.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
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.
I am getting married next year and my partner and I are whittling down our guest list as we work on sending out save-the-date cards.
From Slate ● Aug. 3, 2023
For example, Americans are whittling down the number of people they are giving gifts to, according to data from KPMG.
From New York Times ● Dec. 15, 2022
His decisions are whittling away my respect for him, and that is a crummy and jerky way to think about your own dad.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 2, 2022
Many retailers are whittling down their toy and clothing inventories, offering fewer styles, colors and sizes, according to Nikki Baird, vice president of innovation at retail software provider Aptos.
From Washington Post ● Sep. 1, 2021
Little boys who have their sugar maples picked out and under guard, being more forehanded about some things than others, are whittling intensely.
From Minstrel Weather by Marian Storm
