whittling

[ hwit-ling, wit- ]

noun

1. the act of a person who whittles.
2. Often whittlings. a bit or chip whittled off.

Word History and Origins

Origin of whittling¹

First recorded in 1605–15; whittle + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Even by the beginning of the pandemic, when the museum slashed 25 jobs in April 2020, he said there had been a gradual whittling down of wages and resources for those who make the least.

From Washington Post

That's a new song and a very nice one, thought Marmaduke, as he watched the Toyman whittling away by the red fire.

From Project Gutenberg

As he was thinking, almost unconsciously he began whittling a stick.

From Project Gutenberg

The beginnings of manual training must indeed be provided for in school; paper cutting, sewing and whittling.

From Project Gutenberg

His half-day of whittling and laughter that went with it are something that I find pleasant to remember.

From Project Gutenberg

He was whittling, and he had made some little toy for his son Tad, who ran out as I entered.

From Project Gutenberg