honing

[ hoh-ning ]

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.

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of honing¹

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

Example Sentences

Correspondents such as Savannah Guthrie frequently appeared on the channel, honing the skills that eventually brought her to NBC’s “Today.”

From Los Angeles Times

But Gottlieb said she challenged her team to use that stretch to try new things and learn what works with a new roster, all the while honing in details that would come in handy later.

From Los Angeles Times

But they were the result of years of honing his craft and presenting skills.

From BBC

“Just honing in on the details,” Robinson said.

From Los Angeles Times

Years of honing her comic patter behind a bar helped and she quickly became established on the comedy circuit.

From BBC