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

Honing his technical skills with the Navy’s Seabees during World War II, he would create otherworldly buildings across the Midwest.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 6, 2025

Honing her skills at the Dale Youth Amateur Boxing Club in the years to come, the accolades began to stack up.

From BBC • Feb. 3, 2022

Honing his skating ability has been a priority for Fleury throughout camp.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 6, 2021

Honing his skills in the Catskills, Mason started to get better reviews, but he couldn't get bookings elsewhere.

From Salon • Jul. 27, 2021

Honing Spruit Station, about midway between Kroonstad and Roodeval, was the scene of his new raid.

From The Great Boer War by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir