whittle
verb (used with object)
to cut, trim, or shape (a stick, piece of wood, etc.) by carving off bits with a knife.
whittled
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past participleof whittle.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
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past tense formof whittle.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
whittleverb (used with object)to cut, trim, or shape (a stick, piece of wood, etc.) by carving off bits with a knife.
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.
As federal officials have whittled down the countries that still qualify for Temporary Protected Status, Salvadorans make up the largest population of remaining beneficiaries.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 9, 2026
As of June 30 this year, the app had 16,000 registered members -- whittled down from around 36,000 applicants -- and 760 couples in "serious relationships", according to government data released this month.
From Barron's ● Jul. 28, 2026
The longlist, referred to as the Booker Dozen, will be whittled down to a shortlist on 22 September, before the winner is announced on 9 November.
From BBC ● Jul. 28, 2026
That whittled the list down to the 3,300 candidates who were granted interviews.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 11, 2026
Samuel whittled out a stout piece of sagewood and drove it into the soil.
From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck
