varnish

1 of 2

noun

var·​nish ˈvär-nish How to pronounce varnish (audio)
1
a
: a liquid preparation that when applied to a surface dries to form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating
b
: the covering or glaze given by the application of varnish
c(1)
: something that suggests varnish by its gloss
(2)
: a coating (as of deposits in an internal combustion engine) comparable to varnish
2
: outside show : gloss entry 1
3
chiefly British : a liquid nail polish
varnishy adjective

varnish

2 of 2

verb

varnished; varnishing; varnishes

transitive verb

1
: to apply varnish to
2
: to cover or conceal (something, such as something unpleasant) with something that gives an attractive appearance : gloss entry 2
3
varnisher noun

Examples of varnish in a Sentence

Noun She accidentally scratched the varnish.
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The pieces are then finished with matte paint and a coat of varnish. Alexa Brazilian, New York Times, 1 Mar. 2024 In the past, slathering fossils with a type of varnish was a usual step in the preservation process and was done so the fossil could be fully preserved for many years inside museum archives. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 Paint, cleaners or disinfectants, tobacco smoke, gas stoves, varnishes, air fresheners, and pesticides can all be high in VOCs. Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Nov. 2023 What’s more, a layer of varnish had settled over the painting’s surface. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Dec. 2023 These scented candles have notes of wood and varnish to evoke their book-laden dream home. Carina Finn, Bon Appétit, 1 Dec. 2023 Resins are typically derived from the sap or sap-like substances of various trees and plants and have been used for various purposes throughout human history, including as adhesives, in the production of varnishes, for incense, and in traditional medicine. Erik Kain, Forbes, 29 Nov. 2023 The signature of the artist and the date 1634 (four years earlier than originally thought) were hidden under varnish on the curtain at the top of the painting. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Dec. 2023 Several layers of paint and six layers of varnish made conservation difficult, said to Becca Hellen, the Trust's senior national conservator for paintings. Caitlin O'Kane, CBS News, 10 Nov. 2023
Verb
The common sources of lead exposure, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, include paint and varnish in homes built before 1978, some soil and tap water exposure, clay pots, spices, toys, makeup, jewelry and ammunition. Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024 They were stripped of paint, polished and varnished for their second life. John Leicester, USA TODAY, 8 Feb. 2024 Rather, the dark appearance is the result of the accumulation of dirt and varnish over four centuries, as the painting was subject to various kinds of chemical and mechanical alterations. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 15 Dec. 2023 Homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s, particularly in the Arts and Crafts or Victorian styles, often feature a wealth of oak woodwork stained or varnished to produce a medium brown or honey gold. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 Nov. 2023 Made from solid wood with a top surface that’s partially varnished, these boards up your game with just the right amount of slide. Sharon Brandwein, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2023 Horse manure removal was another task, as well as varnishing and inspecting the heavy ladders used to save people trapped on upper floors. Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 24 June 2023 These weren’t for the database, but would make pretty bits to varnish and display. Lauren Markham, Harper's Magazine, 1 July 2022 Granted, the time spent in sorrow over his bad fate is varnished over with tons of humor. Kaely Monahan, The Arizona Republic, 29 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'varnish.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English vernyz, vernich, vernisch "dissolved resin used as a decorative or protective coating," borrowed from Anglo-French vernis (continental Old French verniz), borrowed from Medieval Latin veronix, vernix "resin," earlier "amber," restructured from Middle Greek berōnikón, beroníkē "yellow- or amber-colored glass, amber," probably going back to Greek bereníkion "natron, reddish- or yellowish-hued natron (used in making glass)," of uncertain origin

Note: The Greek word for "natron" has no evident connection with the city name Bereníkē in ancient Cyrenaica nor any of the other place-names based on the female given name Bereníkē borne by various Macedonian queens and princesses of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.

Verb

Middle English vernysshen, borrowed from Middle French vernicier and Medieval Latin vernizāre, both derivative of Old French verniz varnish entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of varnish was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near varnish

Cite this Entry

“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varnish. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

varnish

1 of 2 noun
var·​nish ˈvär-nish How to pronounce varnish (audio)
1
a
: a liquid that when spread and allowed to dry on a surface forms a hard shiny typically transparent coating
b
: the covering or shiny coating given by varnish
2
: false outward appearance

varnish

2 of 2 verb
: to cover with or as if with varnish

Medical Definition

varnish

noun
var·​nish ˈvär-nish How to pronounce varnish (audio)
: any of various liquid preparations that when spread and allowed to dry on a surface form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating and that include some used in dentistry to line deep cavities in order to protect the pulp of a tooth
varnish transitive verb
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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