polished

adjective

pol·​ished ˈpä-lisht How to pronounce polished (audio)
1
: subjected to polishing : made smooth and glossy by or as if by polishing
a polished surface
polished silver
2
: characterized by a high degree of development, finish, or refinement : free from imperfections
a polished performance/performer
a highly polished piece of writing
3
somewhat old-fashioned : characterized by elegance and refinement
a polished gentleman
polished society

Examples of polished in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Despite an early Season Two elimination when the queen was in her late twenties, a more polished version of the future star returned to the runway for two other installments in the show’s franchise. Ben Shimkus, Rolling Stone, 18 Mar. 2024 Each has a stunning, polished stage presence and knows it. Mark Swed, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2024 This fast-drying option is great for anyone leading a busy, on-the-go lifestyle and wants (or needs) their hands to look polished in a hurry. Kate Watson, Peoplemag, 16 Mar. 2024 Several of the sculptures that will dot the grounds are made of polished stainless steel, capturing both the landscape and the viewer in their mirrorlike petals and fronds. Julie Belcove, Robb Report, 16 Mar. 2024 The 28 mm watch is presented with a case and mono-rang bracelet created from stainless steel, with signature Constellation features including the polished claws, half-moon facets and a diamond-paved bezel. Anna Tingley, Variety, 11 Mar. 2024 Most of the technology available for marine science is still research-grade and a long way from a polished, professional product. IEEE Spectrum, 11 Mar. 2024 Take what works and create a more polished version for your corporate social channels. Bradley Keenan, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2024 As such, the wearer can appreciate the high-horology finishing, such as the engraved battery bridge decorated with Cotes de Genève and the beveled and polished screw heads. Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 5 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'polished.' 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

Middle English polisshed, from past participle of polisshen to polish

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near polished

Cite this Entry

“Polished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polished. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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