whittled

[ˈwɪtld]

whittled Definition

  • 1to cut small pieces or pare shavings from (a piece of wood) with a knife
  • 2to reduce something in size, amount, or extent by cutting away unnecessary parts

Using whittled: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "whittled" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    He whittled a stick with his pocket knife.

  • Example

    The company whittled down its workforce to save money.

  • Example

    She whittled away at the block of wood until it was the right shape.

whittled Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for whittled

Phrases with whittled

  • gradually reduce the size, amount, or extent of something by removing unnecessary parts

    Example

    We need to whittle down the list of candidates for the job.

  • gradually reduce the size, amount, or extent of something by removing unnecessary parts

    Example

    She whittled away at the pile of paperwork on her desk.

  • to carve or sharpen something to a pointed end

    Example

    He whittled the stick to a point so he could use it to roast marshmallows.

Origins of whittled

from Old English 'thwitan', meaning 'to cut off'

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Summary: whittled in Brief

To 'whittle' [ˈwɪtld] means to cut small pieces or pare shavings from a piece of wood with a knife or to reduce something in size, amount, or extent by cutting away unnecessary parts. It can be used literally, as in 'He whittled a stick with his pocket knife,' or figuratively, as in 'The company whittled down its workforce to save money.' 'Whittle' can also be used in phrases like 'whittle down' and 'whittle away,' both meaning to gradually reduce the size, amount, or extent of something by removing unnecessary parts.