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
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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.
MPs will whittle six candidates down to two, before the rank and file Tory membership vote for the eventual winner, who is expected to be declared on 2 November.
From BBC ● Sep. 3, 2024
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
If you can keep your vehicle running for another year or two, it will allow you to save more for a larger down payment, which will whittle down the amount you need to finance.
From Seattle Times ● Nov. 23, 2022
The ruling Conservative Party's 358 lawmakers will whittle the field down to the final two this week, staging votes which will eject the candidate with the fewest votes each time.
From Reuters ● Jul. 18, 2022
You cut it down in December to $2,300,000; and now Congress, by passing the Homestead bill, will whittle it all off.
From Letters of Major Jack Downing, of the Downingville Militia by Seba Smith
