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Winnow Definition & Meaning

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

Usage tips for "winnow"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "winnow" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for winnow to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does winnow mean?
the act of separating grain from chaff; "the winnowing was done by women" separate the chaff from by using air currents; "She stood there winnowing chaff all day in the field" blow on; "The wind was winnowing her hair"; "the wind winnowed the grass" select desirable parts from a group or list; "cull out the interesting letters from the poet's correspondence"; "winnow the finalists from the long list of applicants" blow away or off with a current of air; "winnow chaff"
What part of speech is winnow?
Winnow is a noun and a verb.
How many definitions does winnow have?
Winnow has 5 definitions across 2 parts of speech (noun, verb).

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