Meaning of winnow in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /ˈwɪnoʊ/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    winnow

    Etymology

    Old English windwian, from wind (see wind)

    Definitions

    1. separate from chaff

    Examples

    • « She stood there winnowing grain all day in the field »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. blow on

    Examples

    • « The wind was winnowing her hair »
  3. 3. treat by exposure to a current of air so that waste matter is eliminated

    Examples

    • « winnow grain »
  4. 4. remove by a current of air

    Examples

    • « winnow chaff »

  5. Noun

    winnow

    Definitions

    1. the act of separating grain from chaff

    Examples

    • « the winnowing was done by women »

    Derived terms

Browse dictionary