Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Inherently directed toward a home or target: Describes an innate ability or a designed function to return to a point of origin or to proceed toward a specific destination.
   • Used for guidance to a destination: Describes a device or signal that provides directional information to guide something to a target.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • The homing instinct in salmon drives them to return to their birthplace to spawn.
  • The missile was equipped with a homing device to track the enemy aircraft.
  • Scientists study the homing behavior of migratory birds.

Advanced Usage

• "Homing in on": The phrase "homing in on" (not to be confused with "honing") means to move toward or focus on a target with great accuracy.
  • The detective was homing in on the crucial piece of evidence.
  • The submarine began homing in on the signal.

Variants and Related Words

• Home (verb): To return or be guided to a home base or target.
  • The aircraft homed on the radio beacon.
• Homing pigeon (noun phrase): A pigeon bred to find its way home over long distances.
  • They used a homing pigeon to carry the message.

Synonyms

• Guided: Directed or steered toward a target.
• Directional: Relating to or indicating a specific direction of movement.
• Target-seeking: Designed to find and move toward a target.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Home in on: To move directly and accurately toward a target or to focus attention on something.
  • The journalist homed in on the main issue during the interview.
  • The heat-seeking missile can home in on the engine's exhaust.

Related Idioms

• Like a homing pigeon: Used to describe someone or something that unfailingly finds its way to a destination.
  • After years away, he returned to his hometown like a homing pigeon.

Adjective

1. orienting or directing homeward or to a destination
   • the homing instinct
   • a homing beacon