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

Many defence agencies utilize these technologies to simulate battlefield conditions, allowing soldiers to hone their skills in safe yet challenging virtual settings. —Kathleen Walch, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

The three-ball is just a refined tool in his arsenal, one he’s worked tirelessly to hone. —Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Dec. 2024

The students describe the feelings of accomplishment and community that come from honing their craft together. —The New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2024

Membership groups are trending as the communications field has evolved and practitioners look for ways to hone their craft and find community. —Eleanor Hawkins, Axios, 5 Dec. 2024

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