Hone Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary (original) (raw)

Britannica Dictionary definition of HONE

[+ object]

1

:

to sharpen (something, such as a knife) with a stone

• hone a blade

2

:

to make (something, such as a skill) better or more effective

• She honed her language skills by reading and writing every day.

hone in on

[phrasal verb]

US

:

to find and go directly toward (someone or something)

• The missile was honing in on [=_homing in on_] its target.

— usually used figuratively

• Researchers are honing in on the cause of the disease.

◊ Although hone in on is widely used, many people regard it as an error for home in on.