whittle

Whittle is a verb meaning to carve wood by removing small shavings with a knife, typically to create a simple object or figurine. The term is commonly used in the woodcraft hobby of whittling and can also describe the act of reducing something gradually, as in whittling down a list or budget.

Whittle is also a surname of English origin. Notable people with this surname include Frank Whittle (1907–1996), an English engineer and Royal Air Force officer who pioneered the development of the turbojet engine, a key technology in the advancement of modern aviation.

In crafts and outdoor activities, whittling is often practiced with a pocket knife or similar blade, producing wood shavings and small carved items. It is typically taught as a beginner’s activity that emphasizes safety, proper technique, and working with the grain of the wood. Whittling has a long tradition in folk art and traditional crafts, and remains a popular pastime in many cultures for both recreation and skill development.