whittle

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.

They whittle it down to a list that is then discussed with the five standing members of the committee.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 31, 2026

When you work on other aspects of your 2025 taxes, you may whittle your income down enough to qualify.

From Barron's • Nov. 25, 2025

But he added: "When you whittle it down to genuine enquiries and those that are financially qualified there is a much smaller number."

From BBC • Jul. 6, 2025

“American Primeval” “As always, this is one of the tougher categories to whittle down, but my favorite of the year remains ‘The Penguin.’

From Los Angeles Times • May 22, 2025

Over the summer, when I was with Dad and Steph in Phoenix, he taught me how to whittle a spoon, a turtle, and a bear that ended up looking like a snowman.

From "Clairboyance" by Kristiana Kahakauwila