easy
I used a cloth to polish the table.
What does Polish mean?
Polish means to make something smooth and shiny.
Dictionary definition
To make something smooth and shiny by rubbing it, or the shine made by doing this.
Example sentences
Polish in a sentence
medium
The shoes had a bright polish after cleaning.
hard
Careful editing can polish a piece of writing so it reads more smoothly.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice polish in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Polish
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does polish mean?
Polish means to make something smooth and shiny.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses polish correctly?
The correct sentence uses polish in a real meaning-based context.
Practice 3
Which clue best matches polish?
This clue connects directly to the meaning of polish.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Polish
Voice settings
Sounds like
pah · lish · strongest beat: pah
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordPolish.
Partverb, noun.
MeaningPolish means to make something smooth and shiny.
ExampleExample: I used a cloth to polish the table.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- pah · lish
- Strongest beat
- pah
- Ending
- lish
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on pah.
Your turn
Say Polish
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Ready when you are.
Nice work—you practiced polish.
Synonyms
Words like Polish
Antonyms
Opposite words
dullTo make or become less shiny.
roughenTo make less smooth.
Synonym practice
Want to practice polish synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "Please polish the trophy before the assembly," then compare close word choices. Practice polish synonyms.
Word family
Polish word family
Base word
polish
adjective
polished
Smooth, shiny, or carefully improved.
noun
polishing
The act of making something smooth or shiny.
Related words
Explore related words
Student support
Understand Polish
Hint for students
Polish means to make something smooth and shiny.
Common mix-up
Polish is not the same as dull. Polish means polish means to make something smooth and shiny.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: The shoes had a bright polish after cleaning. Clue words: shoes, bright, cleaning. Underline clue words that show why polish fits instead of dull. Now write one new sentence that shows polish without using the word polish. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show polish?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "The shoes had a bright polish after cleaning." Why does polish fit better than dull?
Learning activities
Practice Polish and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice POLISH” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
Practice POLISH
Sentence Builder
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Write a sentence with POLISH
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Context Clue Challenge
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Scrambled Bees
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