homing

American  

[hoh-ming] / ˈhoʊ mɪŋ /

adjective

1. capable of returning home, usually over a great distance.

   We saw the homing birds at dusk.

2. guiding or directing homeward or to a destination, especially by mechanical means.

   the homing instinct; a homing beacon.

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homing British  

/ ˈhəʊmɪŋ /

noun

1. zoology relating to the ability to return home after travelling great distances

   homing instinct

2. (of an aircraft, a missile, etc) capable of guiding itself onto a target or to a specified point

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Etymology

Origin of homing

First recorded in 1860–65; home + -ing ²

Example Sentences

Scientists have long known that homing pigeons and migratory birds use Earth's magnetic field as one of several tools for navigation.

From Science Daily • May 31, 2026

But homing in on the annoying and self-defeating aspects of it misses the real story of how the movement changed American society, and the world, for the better—and how Lindy West did too.

From Slate • Mar. 31, 2026

They used an Iranian-provided surface-to-air missile that can loiter in the sky before homing in on heat from the drones.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 16, 2026

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said the White House is homing in on industries critical to U.S. national security.

From Barron's • Oct. 22, 2025

“Kambili! Father Amadi is homing outside for you,” Aunty Ifeoma called.

From "Purple Hibiscus" by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie