winnowing Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of separating grain from chaff
    winnow; sifting.
    • the winnowing was done by women
  2. verb separate the chaff from by using air currents
    fan; winnow.
    • She stood there winnowing chaff all day in the field
  3. verb blow on
    winnow.
    • The wind was winnowing her hair
    • the wind winnowed the grass
  4. verb select desirable parts from a group or list
    cull out; winnow.
    • cull out the interesting letters from the poet's correspondence
    • winnow the finalists from the long list of applicants
  5. verb blow away or off with a current of air
    winnow.
    • winnow chaff

WordNet


Win"now*ing noun
Definitions
  1. The act of one who, or that which, winnows.

Webster 1913