whittle
verb (used with object)
to cut, trim, or shape (a stick, piece of wood, etc.) by carving off bits with a knife.
will whittle
-
future tenseof whittle.future tense
Used to express actions, events, or states that have not yet occurred but are expected to happen.
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.
Newsom and legislative leaders — when they finally seriously engage in negotiations — will whittle down the total borrowing to a more voter-salable figure of between $20 billion and $30 billion.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2023
Conservative lawmakers will whittle the field down from eight to two with a series of votes in the coming days.
From Reuters ● Jul. 13, 2022
Some will run to raise their profiles, and a series of ballots among Conservative lawmakers will whittle the real contenders down to two.
From New York Times ● Jul. 7, 2022
Environmental groups have warned the aggressive tactics will whittle down Idaho's wolf population by 90%, from roughly 1,500 to 150, which is the minimum limit enshrined by a 2002 conservation law.
From BBC ● Oct. 12, 2021
Some are so wedded to it from long custom, that if they have not a piece of stick to cut, they will whittle the backs of the chairs, or any thing within their reach.
From Diary in America, Series One by Frederick Marryat
