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
1
2
: the action or process of polishing
3
: a preparation that is used to produce a gloss and often a color for the protection and decoration of a surface
furniture polish
nail polish
: of, relating to, or characteristic of Poland, the Poles, or Polish
: the Slavic language of the Poles
Examples of polish in a Sentence
Verb
He spent the summer polishing his math skills.
you'll need to polish your shoes with a clean rag before the performance
Noun (1)
I need more shoe polish.
Did you use a wax polish on the table or an oil-based one?
The movie has the polish we've come to expect from that director.
He's rude and lacks polish.
Recent Examples on the Web
John Mariani, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
His work to polish his technique over the past year and change will come to the forefront this season.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
Rebecca Mitchem, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Her nails are painted in bright pink polish and glitter.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Their children are dual US and Polish citizens, according to a statement from the victim’s brother.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for polish
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
The airy, high-ceilinged white dining rooms are largely intact, the wooden floors polished, the tables set with good linens, the lighting excellent.
—John Mariani, Forbes.com, 21 July 2025
His work to polish his technique over the past year and change will come to the forefront this season.
—David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 14 July 2025
Noun
At that stage, your investors will expect more polish and rigor.
—Rebecca Mitchem, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025
Her nails are painted in bright pink polish and glitter.
—Laura Rodríguez Presa, Chicago Tribune, 20 July 2025
Adjective
The institution called on Polish authorities to remove the installation.
—Shira Li Bartov, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2025
Their children are dual US and Polish citizens, according to a statement from the victim’s brother.
—Lauren Kent, CNN Money, 21 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for polish
Cite this Entry
“Polish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polish. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share