hone

1 of 3

verb (1)

ˈhōn 

honed; honing

transitive verb

1

: to sharpen or smooth with a whetstone

2

: to make more acute, intense, or effective : whet

helped her hone her comic timing

—Patricia Bosworth

honer noun

hone

2 of 3

noun

: whetstone

hone

3 of 3

verb (2)

honed; honing

intransitive verb

1

dialect : yearn

—often used with for or after

2

dialect : grumble, moan

Synonyms

Verb (1)

• edge
• grind
• sharpen
• stone
• strop
• whet

Examples of hone in a Sentence

Verb (1)

honed the knife's blade to razor-like sharpness

honed his crossword-puzzle skills by reading the dictionary as though it were a thrilling novel

honed the edge of the axe until it was amazingly sharp

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

Estévez honed his approach as an assistant to Berhalter, first with the Columbus Crew and then the USMNT from 2019-21. —Jeff Rueter, The Athletic, 9 Jan. 2025

To be sure, Copping brings to the task formidable skills, honed most recently in Balenciaga’s couture and VIP departments. —Miles Socha, WWD, 9 Jan. 2025

Budding photographers can hone their skills during this hike through Lyonia Preserve, which has unlimited opportunities for photographing birds, reptiles, and plants. —Joe Rassel, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Jan. 2025

The film was shot at Pinewood Studios outside London, with motion-capture expert Andy Serkis honing their method. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun and Verb (1)

Middle English, from Old English hān stone; akin to Old Norse hein whetstone, Latin cot-, cos, Sanskrit śiśāti he whets

Verb (2)

Middle French hoigner to grumble

First Known Use

Verb (1)

1788, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Verb (2)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing hone

• hone in
• hone in on

Kids Definition

hone

verb

ˈhōn

honed; honing

1

: to sharpen with or as if with a fine abrasive stone

2

: to make more intense or effective

top athletes honing their skills