Etymology
Origin of whittling
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
After whittling what had been a 24-point deficit to four with a little more than three minutes left Saturday, the Bruins could not find the miracle finish they were seeking.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 3, 2026
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 ● Nov. 12, 2025
And Bryson DeChambeau was whittling away after losing five of the first seven to Fitzpatrick.
From BBC ● Sep. 28, 2025
He owned a sharp pocketknife—which I had been forbidden to touch— and sat for long hours in the sun, whittling, whistling quietly, or maybe, if he was feeling well, humming some strange tune.
From "Black Boy" by Richard Wright
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
