Definition of "winnow" in English

verb

1. (transitive, agriculture, literal) To subject (granular material, especially food grain) to a current of air separating heavier and lighter components, as grain from chaff.

2. (transitive, figuratively) To separate, sift, analyse, or test by separating items having different values.

   • They winnowed the field to twelve.
   • They winnowed the winners from the losers.
   • They winnowed the losers from the winners.

3. (transitive, literary) To blow upon or toss about by blowing; to set in motion as with a fan or wings.

4. (intransitive, literary, dated) To move about with a flapping motion, as of wings; to flutter.

noun

1. That which winnows or which is used in winnowing; a contrivance for fanning or winnowing grain.

2. The act of winnowing