whittle
verb (used with object)
to cut, trim, or shape (a stick, piece of wood, etc.) by carving off bits with a knife.
have whittled
-
present perfectof whittle.present perfect
Used to describe actions that started in the past and continue into or have direct relevance to the 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.
At one point, the balance reached $11,000, but they have whittled it down to $6,000, Daniel-Hoste said.
From The Wall Street Journal ● May 29, 2026
Successive studies have whittled away at some of these early descriptions, however the new Flinders University study agrees with one of his species, Protemnodon anak.
From Science Daily ● Apr. 15, 2024
Over time, Wisconsin voters have whittled away at the state’s unusual veto authority.
From New York Times ● Jul. 6, 2023
The availability of vaccines to prevent severe illness, and of anti-viral medications that blunt a new infection, have whittled COVID-19’s ability to kill.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2023
This is a feature of a new country geologically; the rains and other agents of erosion have whittled the mountains to sharp edges, but have not yet rounded or leveled them.
From Time and Change by John Burroughs
