verb
definition
To cut or shape wood with a knife.
definition
To reduce or gradually eliminate something (such as a debt).
definition
To make eager or excited; to excite with liquor; to inebriate.
noun
definition
(usually in the plural) A chip or shaving whittled from some larger substance.
definition
The art of carving shapes out of raw wood using a knife
definition
A process of repeatedly shaving slivers from a piece of wood (non-artistic)
Examples of whittling in a Sentence
He was whittling down her resistance.
The whittling away of its formal or organizing rubrics, as e.g., sameness into likeness, is disconcerting to science wherever the significance of the process is realized.
To what the remaining difference was due it is difficult to say with certitude; there are some who argue that the tendency of prices to fall is inherent, and that the constant whittling away of intermediaries' profits is sufficient explanation, while bi-metallists have maintained that the phenomenon is clearly to be traced to the action of the German government in demonetizing silver in 1872.
Today's corset is generally much less restricting and worn more for fashion and sensuality than true whittling of the shape.
Whittling down the vast range to a selection of couture coats is a wise plan, especially if the goal is to find a coat that will remain timeless.
Your interest rate may also be adjustable and you could end up paying more in interest over time, without whittling away at your principal.
This style of girdle can be purchased to do anything you want, from holding in awkward fleshy bits to smoothing curves and whittling the waist.
Teams who finish each leg last can be eliminated, therefore whittling down the margin of competitors.
Show producers are responsible for whittling down the first round.
She knocked away his next attempt to reach her, fully aware he was distracting her physically while whittling down her resistance mentally.
The Bournemouth exhibitions team, who organize the annual competition, had the tough task of whittling down the entrants to just six finalists.
Keep whittling down your list and making design tradeoffs until your "wish list" is priced equal to your established budget.
Sometimes, the process of whittling them down can be overwhelming.
There's a shaping garment for literally every single purpose, from supporting flabby arms and whittling thick waistlines to smoothing bulgy hips and flattening round bellies.