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.
This open-front long-sleeve cardigan is a reliable layering asset for a low-lift polished look. Ali Faccenda, People.com, 24 Jan. 2025 Some of those who have previously advanced Trump’s interests in Europe now see Musk as an unfettered, even less polished version of the president; an agitator whose style and ambition has come to mirror Trump’s. Rob Picheta, CNN, 23 Jan. 2025 This is an everyday piece with an elevated, polished look. Emily Hochberg, Travel + Leisure, 22 Jan. 2025 The two arms sit nicely on the wheels, creating a symmetrical design, and everything is made from polished or simple black aluminum. Jakob Schiller, Outside Online, 20 Jan. 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

Dictionary Entries Near polished

Cite this Entry

“Polished.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polished. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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