Whittle (verb)

1. To cut or shape (something) with a sharp tool, especially a knife.
2. To reduce the size or amount of (something) gradually or bit by bit.

Origin:

The origin of the word 'whittle' is uncertain, but it may have come from the middle english word 'whitelen', meaning 'to cut'. it has been used in english since the late 15th century.

Examples:

1. He whittled a piece of wood into the shape of a bird.
2. The company has been whittling down its workforce for months.
3. She spent the morning whittling sticks to roast marshmallows.
4. She whittled her waist down to size by working out regularly.
5. The boy whittled a sharp point on the end of a stick for his fishing pole.