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

she could see her face reflected in the polished hood of the car showing the polished manners of a cosmopolitan woman
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If the Fairmont Century Plaza, like the Chateau Marmont or the Hollywood Roosevelt, represents the polished fac of Hollywood, the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows in Santa Monica, CA, is about the coast and relaxation by the sea. Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 The ring features a principal cabochon stone, or a rounded, polished center gem. Sonja Anderson, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025 As for other features within Residence 5N, there is wide-plank oak flooring throughout, Scavolini kitchen cabinetry with a Calacatta marble countertop and backsplash, Miele appliances, Fantini polished chrome fixtures in the bathrooms, and other types of ultra-luxe marbles and finishes. Emma Reynolds, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2025 With floor-to-ceiling glass walls, sky-high ceilings and polished concrete floors, the unit is true to the designer’s style. Rosemary Feitelberg, WWD, 25 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for polished

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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polished. Accessed 29 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on polished

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!