I. ˈdwind ə l, ÷-n ə l verb
( dwindled ; dwindled ; dwindling -( ə )liŋ ; dwindles )
Etymology: probably freq. of dwine
intransitive verb
: to become steadily less : diminish in size, amount, or quality : shrink
the boat gradually dwindled to a speck
population is dwindling
the novel dwindles away to a most unsatisfactory ending
transitive verb
: to make steadily less : reduce in any way
dwindles all other developments to insignificance
Synonyms: see decrease
II. noun
( -s )
: decrease , decline