to make smooth and glossy, esp. by rubbing or friction

to polish a brass doorknob.

to render finished, refined, or elegant

His speech needs polishing.

to become smooth and glossy through polishing

a flooring that polishes easily.

Archaic . to become refined or elegant.

a substance used to give smoothness or gloss

shoe polish.

the act of polishing.

state of being polished.

smoothness and gloss of surface.

superiority of manner or execution; refinement; elegance

the polish of a professional singer.

polish off, Informal .

to finish or dispose of quickly

They polished off a gallon of ice cream between them.

to subdue or get rid of someone

The fighter polished off his opponent in the first round.

polish up, to improve; refine

She took lessons to polish up her speech.