winnow

(noun, verb)

noun

1. the act of separating grain from chaff

- the winnowing was done by women

Similar word(s): sifting, winnowing

Definition categories: act, separation

verb

1. separate the chaff from grain by using air currents

- She stood there winnowing grain all day in the field

Definition categories: contact, sieve, sift, strain

2. blow on

- The wind was winnowing her hair

- the wind winnowed the grass

Definition categories: motion, fan

3. select desirable parts from a group or list

- winnow the finalists from the long list of applicants

Definition categories: cognition, choose, select, take

4. blow away or off with a current of air

- winnow chaff

Similar word(s): fan

Definition categories: change, remove, take, withdraw

Sentences with winnow as a verb:

- They winnowed the field to twelve.

- They winnowed the winners from the losers.

- They winnowed the losers from the winners.