Pronunciation: [dwˈɪndə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "dwindle" is spelled with a "dw" at the beginning, which can cause confusion on its pronunciation. However, the correct way to say this word is /ˈdwɪndəl/. The "dw" sound at the beginning of "dwindle" is a combination of two consonants, "d" and "w". This sound is similar to the "qu" in "queen". "Dwindle" means to gradually become smaller or weaker, and it is important to spell it correctly in written communication.
Dwindle is a verb that refers to the process of gradually becoming smaller, diminishing, or decreasing in size, amount, intensity, or importance. It conveys the idea of a gradual and continuous decline, often characterized by a steady reduction or depletion.
When something dwindles, it implies that it is gradually dissipating or diminishing in quantity or quality over time. This can relate to physical objects, such as a dwindling water supply during a drought, or a diminishing population of a particular species of animal. It can also be used to describe more abstract concepts, such as dwindling hopes or dwindling support for a particular cause.
The term typically indicates a negative trend, implying the transition from a more abundant or significant state towards a state of scarcity, insignificance, or irrelevance. Dwindling can occur for various reasons, such as natural processes, economic factors, or emotional factors.
The word "dwindle" often suggests a notion of gradual erosion, implying that the decrease happens over an extended period and may be difficult to reverse. It conveys a sense of something gradually fading away or losing its vitality. As a result, it may carry connotations of concern, decline, or vulnerability.
To leave off; to become less; to shrink; to consume or waste away; to degenerate.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "dwindle" originated from Middle English "dwindlen", which was derived from Old English "dwinan" and ultimately from Proto-Germanic "dwīnaną". The Old English word "dwinan" meant "to waste away, vanish, or become few in numbers". This term can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*dʰewh₁-", meaning "to die out" or "vanish".
Over time, "dwindle" retained its meaning of gradually diminishing or shrinking in size, quantity, or importance.
