whittle
verb (used with object)
to cut, trim, or shape (a stick, piece of wood, etc.) by carving off bits with a knife.
has been whittling
-
present perfect progressiveof whittle (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Japan has been whittling down its debt load—which stands at about 200% of GDP—and is running one of the smallest budget deficits among major economies.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026
County’s population has been whittling down for the last decade, with 400,000 people leaving since 2016.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 29, 2026
Since July, John Hobson, who lives with family in Xenia, Ohio, has been whittling walking sticks to sell to his community for $3 apiece, his grandson Rob Hobson told Fox News.
From Fox News ● Dec. 10, 2020
Apple, which has been whittling down its hefty margins, watched its income soar 71% during the past year.
From Time Magazine Archive
