winnow

[win-oh]

verb (used with object)

1. to free (grain) from the lighter particles of chaff, dirt, etc., especially by throwing it into the air and allowing the wind or a forced current of air to blow away impurities.

2. to drive or blow (chaff, dirt, etc.) away by fanning.

3. to blow upon; fan.

4. to subject to some process of separating or distinguishing; analyze critically; sift.

   to winnow a mass of statements.

5. to separate or distinguish (valuable from worthless parts) (sometimes followed byout ).

   to winnow falsehood from truth.

6. to pursue (a course) with flapping wings in flying.

7. to fan or stir (the air) as with the wings in flying.

verb (used without object)

1. to free grain from chaff by wind or driven air.

2. to fly with flapping wings; flutter.

noun

1. a device or contrivance used for winnowing.

2. an act of winnowing.

winnow

/ ˈwɪnəʊ /

verb

1. to separate (grain) from (chaff) by means of a wind or current of air

2. (tr) to examine in order to select the desirable elements

3. archaic,  (tr) to beat (the air) with wings

4. rare,  (tr) to blow upon; fan

noun

1. 1. a device for winnowing

   2. the act or process of winnowing

Other Word Forms

• winnower noun
• unwinnowed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of winnow¹

before 900; Middle English win ( d ) wen (v.), Old English windwian, derivative of wind wind ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of winnow¹

Old English windwian; related to Old High German wintōn, Gothic diswinthjan, Latin ventilāre. See _wind ¹

Example Sentences

You may want to simplify your finances by winnowing your cards down to just one or two.

From Los Angeles Times

If she does enter the contest, the move is expected to winnow the field because of her national profile, fundraising ability and her multiple successful statewide campaigns.

From Los Angeles Times

Hours after the list of properties was posted online, it was winnowed by more than 100 but still included 16 California properties.

From Los Angeles Times

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences unveiled the shortlists for the 97th Oscars in 10 categories on Tuesday, winnowing the field of contenders across documentary, international feature, music, sound and visual effects.

From Los Angeles Times

Even at these lower-than-recommended levels, her appetite soon winnowed and she began to shed weight.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• analyze 
• discriminate 
• distinguish 
• separate 
• sift