Definition of dwindle

< Dwight, Timothy

DWT >

dwin·dle    (dwndl) KEY 

VERB:
dwin·dled, dwin·dling, dwin·dles
VERB:
intr.

To become gradually less until little remains.

VERB:
tr.

To cause to dwindle. See Synonyms at decrease.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Frequentative of Middle English dwinen, to waste away, from Old English dwnan, to shrink; see dheu-² in Indo-European roots