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
Synonyms
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
Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
For the 27-year-old singer-rapper, that’s meant releasing a string of singles, polishing up a debut album, delivering show-stopping performances and making her acting debut in Mike White’s White Lotus.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
Wear it open and layered over your favorite long-sleeve tees or cinch it with a belt for a touch of polish.
—Esme Benjamin, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
This Polish boat, which comes in open versions, is like a waterborne Swiss Army Knife with all the bells and whistles in a compact package.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for polish 
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.
Verb
The stage is set for a celebration of artistry and innovation that polishes LVMH’s prominence in the world of luxury timepieces.
—Cassell Ferere, Forbes, 22 Jan. 2025
For the 27-year-old singer-rapper, that’s meant releasing a string of singles, polishing up a debut album, delivering show-stopping performances and making her acting debut in Mike White’s White Lotus.
—Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 13 Jan. 2025
Noun
Polish the sink and fixtures: Take a small amount of stainless steel polish (again, Bar Keepers Friend is a go-to), and use a paper towel or cloth to buff it into the sink and fixtures.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 24 Jan. 2025
Wear it open and layered over your favorite long-sleeve tees or cinch it with a belt for a touch of polish.
—Esme Benjamin, People.com, 18 Jan. 2025
Adjective
There is a joke in there but also a serious point which explains why Podolski has resisted retirement and is instead currently at a winter training camp in Turkey with his Polish team Gornik Zabrze, a swansong at his hometown club from childhood now into its fourth year.
—Jordan Campbell, The Athletic, 22 Jan. 2025
This Polish boat, which comes in open versions, is like a waterborne Swiss Army Knife with all the bells and whistles in a compact package.
—Michael Verdon, Robb Report, 21 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for polish
Dictionary Entries Near polish
Cite this Entry
“Polish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polish. Accessed 30 Jan. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share