varnish

1 of 2

noun

var·​nish ˈvär-nish 

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

ˈvär-ni-shē 

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

: adorn, embellish

varnisher

ˈvär-ni-shər 

noun

Examples of varnish in a Sentence

Noun

She accidentally scratched the varnish.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Methanol is a clear, odorless, highly flammable liquid found in antifreeze, varnish and fuel. —Alessandra Freitas, CNN Money, 12 Oct. 2025

Freshly engraved against the varnish, the images would have had considerable visual impact. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 2 Oct. 2025

Verb

The coarsest grades of steel wool can strip paint or varnish and remove rust from surfaces. —Abby Wolner, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 May 2025

In Pasto, a community gathers around varnishing — from old trade networks between harvesters, carpenters, and varnishers to fairs where artisans demonstrate their craft. —Gabriela Molina Riascos, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025

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

Phrases Containing varnish

• desert varnish
• nail varnish
• spar varnish
• spirit varnish
• varnish tree

Rhymes for varnish

• garnish
• tarnish

Kids Definition

varnish

1 of 2 noun

var·​nish ˈvär-nish 

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 

: 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