hone

verb (1)

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\ ˈhōn

honed; honing

Definition of hone

(Entry 1 of 3)

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

hone

noun

Definition of hone (Entry 2 of 3)

: whetstone

hone

verb (2)

honed; honing

Definition of hone (Entry 3 of 3)

intransitive verb

1 dialect : yearn —often used with for or after

2 dialect : grumble, moan

Other Words from hone Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Phrases Containing hone Learn More About hone

Synonyms & Antonyms for hone

Synonyms: Verb (1)

Antonyms: Verb (1)

blunt,
dull

Examples of hone in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb The program allows students to hone their quantitative, critical thinking and decision-making skills, and learn core sports and business administration principles. — Megan Becka, cleveland, 24 May 2022 While social media may be easy and free to access - particularly useful for traders who are just beginning to hone their skills - the quality of information on specific trades can be poor. — Exness Contributor, Forbes, 17 May 2022 In the sleepy communities of Benicia, American Canyon and Vallejo, entrepreneurs are taking advantage of affordable rents to hone their culinary skills. — Gwendolyn Wu, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 Apr. 2022 The camp became one of the biggest stages in the area for girls to hone their skills. — James Kay, chicagotribune.com, 5 Mar. 2022 While working in luxury hotels in the years that followed, an executive chef encouraged her to hone her skills through continuing education. — Marc Lester, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Feb. 2022 From that pun, Moore has fashioned a smart little thriller — and a decent canvas on which to hone his directorial skills. — Peter Debruge, Variety, 14 Feb. 2022 Danielle Neal, a second grade teacher in Baltimore, worked with SCORE mentors to hone her business skills. — NBC News, 31 Dec. 2021 After establishing a confectionery shop in Yokohama in 1910, Fujii went to the United States to hone his pastry skills and knowledge. — Maggie Hiufu Wong, CNN, 5 Dec. 2021 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'hone.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.