winnows; winnowed; winnowing
1
: to remove (people or things that are less important, desirable, etc.) from a larger group or list
The least qualified applicants were winnowed out of the initial pool.
: to make (a list of possible choices) smaller by removing the less desirable choices
The list of candidates has been winnowed [=narrowed down, whittled down] to five.
—often + downHe needs to winnow down his options.
2
: to remove (the unwanted coverings of seeds) from grain by throwing the grain up in the air and letting the wind blow the unwanted parts away
Harvesters winnowed the chaff from the wheat.
Cite this Entry
“Winnow.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/winnow. Accessed 21 Jun. 2026.
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