honing

American  

[hoh-ning] / ˈhoʊ nɪŋ /

noun

1. the act or process of sharpening something on a hone or whetstone.

   The precision alignment of the cutting machine’s knife is not affected by the honing of the sharp edge.

2. the act or process of improving or perfecting a skill, program, idea, etc..

   In the third and fourth years the emphasis is on advanced training, with further honing of skills and attainment of competency.

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adjective

1. serving to sharpen or perfect.

   It is always a honing experience for us to come here and answer your questions—we leave a little sharper than we were before.

Etymology

Origin of honing

First recorded in 1790–1800; hone ¹ + -ing ¹ for the noun senses; hone ¹ + -ing ² for the adjective sense

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

honing

Schools sharpen students’ thinking and research skills, he noted, but higher education hasn’t been as good at honing students’ applied skills — and for AI, that includes knowing when to responsibly use the technology.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 22, 2026

By drawing a young audience and honing in on original storytelling, these two horror films are clearing a new path in Hollywood.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 21, 2026

Some Ukrainian units have been honing new counterattacking tactics that combine drones and infantry.

From The Wall Street Journal ● May 19, 2026

From the age of seven, the star began honing his craft at the 3 Hammers Golf Complex under the watchful eye of pro Darren Prosser.

From BBC ● May 18, 2026

I spent three years at Miss Preston’s honing my combat skills, refining my manners, getting an education.

From "Dread Nation" by Justina Ireland