sifting

noun

sift·​ing ˈsif-tiŋ How to pronounce sifting (audio)
Synonyms of siftingnext
1
: the act or process of sifting
2
siftings plural : sifted material

Examples of sifting in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There were scoops and plastic juicers, and pastel-colored whisks sitting in a stack of metal colanders to fit into the white bowls for sifting. — Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 May 2026 Though placer mining still is focused on extracting mineral wealth from stream beds, the modern effort has moved on from pans and sifting trays. — Sara Miller Llana, Christian Science Monitor, 3 Sep. 2025 The first step is to connect the app to your bank accounts, and then a lot of the necessary sorting and sifting can be done automatically. — David Nield, Wired News, 22 Apr. 2026 Our fun picks include an $11 sand and water sifting funnel for beach days, a toy rocket launcher, and a football toss game that's over 30% off. — Gabrielle Applebury, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sifting

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sifting was in the 15th century

Rhymes for sifting

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Browse Nearby Words

sifter
sifting
sig
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Cite this Entry

“Sifting.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sifting. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on sifting

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for sifting

Nglish: Translation of sifting for Spanish Speakers

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