Meaning & Definition of word "Whittle"
to
Whittle
/ˈhwɪt.əl/
verb:
- 1. To carve or shape (something) into a desired form by cutting away material, typically wood.
- Example: He spent the afternoon whittling a small figure out of a block of wood.
- 2. To reduce something in size, amount, or degree gradually.
- Example: The company started to whittle down its workforce due to budget constraints.
- 3. To wear down or erode gradually.
- Example: Over time, the constant rain and wind whittle the rocks into smooth pebbles.
Etymology
Origin unknown, possibly from Middle English 'whittlen', related to 'whittle' meaning to cut or carve.
Common Phrases and Expressions
whittle away:
To gradually reduce or diminish something.
whittle down:
To reduce the size or number of something gradually.
Related Words
carving:
The action of shaping material into a desirable form.
knife:
A tool used for cutting or carving.
Slang Meanings of whittle
Meaning: To waste time in a non-productive manner.
Example Sentence: They were just whittling away the hours instead of working.