polished; polishing; polishes
1
: to make smooth and glossy usually by friction : burnish
2
: to smooth, soften, or refine in manners or condition
3
: to bring to a highly developed, finished, or refined state : perfect
: to become smooth or glossy by or as if by friction
polisher
noun
Examples of polish in a Sentence
He spent the summer polishing his math skills.
you'll need to polish your shoes with a clean rag before the performance
Recent Examples on the Web
The strappy design feels polished without being fussy, and the black-and-white colorway offers a refreshing alternative to the usual neutrals while remaining surprisingly versatile.
—
Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
One shopper called them an easy way to elevate loungewear, while another said the shoes were polished enough to wear to an outdoor wedding.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 6 June 2026
Original frescoes were restored, marble was polished, and the color scheme was lightened up with a silver-and-blue palette accenting the white and cream walls.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
Expect to see even tinier dots and minuscule French tips atop jelly polishes in summery shades like fuchsia and blood orange.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polish
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Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 7 June 2026
One shopper called them an easy way to elevate loungewear, while another said the shoes were polished enough to wear to an outdoor wedding.
—Annie Blackman, InStyle, 6 June 2026
Original frescoes were restored, marble was polished, and the color scheme was lightened up with a silver-and-blue palette accenting the white and cream walls.
—Laura Itzkowitz, Robb Report, 4 June 2026
Expect to see even tinier dots and minuscule French tips atop jelly polishes in summery shades like fuchsia and blood orange.
—Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for polish
Cite this Entry
“Polish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polish. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
polish
1 of 4 verb
pol·ish
ˈpäl-ish 
1
: to make smooth and glossy usually by rubbing
2
: to smooth or improve in manners, condition, or style
3
: to bring to a highly developed or finished state
polish a technique
polisher
noun
polish
2 of 4 noun1
a
: a smooth glossy surface : luster
b
: good manners : refinement
2
: the action or process of polishing
3
: a substance prepared for use in polishing
shoe polish
nail polish
Polish
3 of 4 adjective
Pol·ish
ˈpō-lish
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Poland, the Poles, or Polish
Polish
4 of 4 noun
: the Slavic language of the Poles
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