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
varnished; varnishing; varnishes
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
Examples of varnish in a Sentence
Noun
She accidentally scratched the varnish.
Recent Examples on the Web
Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
Its pieces, including the beer cans, are made of acrylic paint on aluminum and varnish, and could be found in unexpected corners at LAM.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
The floors squeak and haven’t been varnished in decades.
—Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2016
See all Example Sentences for varnish 
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Noun
Apply fluoride gels or varnishes to strengthen enamel and prevent further enamel loss.
—Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024
Its pieces, including the beer cans, are made of acrylic paint on aluminum and varnish, and could be found in unexpected corners at LAM.
—Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
Verb
The common sources of lead exposure, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, include paint and varnish in homes built before 1978, some soil and tap water exposure, clay pots, spices, toys, makeup, jewelry and ammunition.
—Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024
The floors squeak and haven’t been varnished in decades.
—Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2016
See all Example Sentences for varnish
Dictionary Entries Near varnish
Cite this Entry
“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varnish. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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