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
Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
The single-button power control is a favorite feature of our reviewer Williams, as well as the fluffy optic cleaner head that cleans and polishes her hard floors.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2025
Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
Employers associated these cultural signals with perceptions of polish, warmth and competence.
—Bethany Thompson, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Mateusz Morawiecki, a former Polish prime minister, was charged with exceeding powers after having ordered a presidential election to be carried out with only postal votes during the covid-19 pandemic.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for polish
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Verb
Add those things to some of the improvement areas the Bears already identified for Williams — from polishing his footwork to better understanding protection plans to mastering his reads — and the to-do list is substantial.
—Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
The single-button power control is a favorite feature of our reviewer Williams, as well as the fluffy optic cleaner head that cleans and polishes her hard floors.
—Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 26 Feb. 2025
Noun
Vince’s classic khaki option provides instant polish, while floaty styles from Proenza Schouler and Ulla Johnson transition from spring-to-summer fabulously.
—Laura Jackson, Vogue, 28 Feb. 2025
Employers associated these cultural signals with perceptions of polish, warmth and competence.
—Bethany Thompson, Sun Sentinel, 27 Feb. 2025
Adjective
However, for those who qualify, obtaining a Polish passport opens doors to EU residency and travel benefits.
—Laura Begley Bloom, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Mateusz Morawiecki, a former Polish prime minister, was charged with exceeding powers after having ordered a presidential election to be carried out with only postal votes during the covid-19 pandemic.
—Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 28 Feb. 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 8 Mar. 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
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