Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
By June 1997, the researchers had winnowed the candidates to 10 genes near one tip of chromosome 16.
From Science Magazine ● Sep. 22, 2021
Cantlay’s final birdie allowed him to finish strong after a wobbly four-hole stretch that had winnowed his four-shot lead down to one.
From Seattle Times ● Sep. 4, 2021
The debate took place at a critical juncture of primary season: After voters in Iowa and New Hampshire had winnowed the field, but before key contests in Nevada, South Carolina and Super Tuesday states.
From New York Times ● Feb. 20, 2020
The New York Fed began its search for a new president last fall and by mid-March had winnowed its pool down to three finalists, according to people familiar with the matter.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 24, 2018
The breeze had died away, but the odors it had winnowed from orchard and meadow still hung in the air.
From The Story of Kennett by Bayard Taylor
