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.

That hasn’t deterred the U.S., which has been flying more than 10 MQ-9 orbits over Iran at a time as the American commanders push to stop Tehran’s ballistic-missile launches and whittle down other offensive capabilities.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

They played cards, cooked by the fire and learned how to whittle.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

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

Then, as Joe tries and fails to whittle away at Brontë’s sense of self in a bid to regain her affections, he realizes that he has lost control.

From Salon • Apr. 25, 2025

He’s trying to whittle something using a pocketknife.

From "A Heart in a Body in the World" by Deb Caletti