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.
-
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.
That marks the reversal of a 15-year period when company buybacks and mergers-and-acquisitions activity whittled down the actual number of shares out there to invest, giving stocks fuel to keep rising, said McElligott.
From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026
In the face of opposition from riders and delays in building charging stations, authorities have since whittled down the proposal to cover just 11 streets spread over 0.5 square kilometres.
From Barron's ● May 19, 2026
These were then whittled down by initial conversations, leading to the final interviews.
From BBC ● May 7, 2026
In the months leading up to the trial, Musk’s initial 26 claims were whittled down to four: breach of charitable trust, promissory fraud, constructive fraud and unjust enrichment.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Apr. 27, 2026
This farm was hard work; I was whittled down at least two sizes what with all the chores and hauling and carrying.
From "Hattie Big Sky" by Kirby Larson
