<p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) to make smooth and glossy, especially by rubbing or friction: to polish a brass doorknob.</li><li>Synonyms: smooth, buff, burnish, brighten, shine.</li><li>to render finished, refined, or elegant: His speech needs polishing.</li></ul><p><strong>noun</strong></p><ul><li>a substance used to give smoothness or gloss: shoe polish.</li><li>the act of polishing.</li><li>state of being polished.</li><li>smoothness and gloss of surface.</li><li>Synonyms: gleam, shine.</li><li>superiority of manner or execution; refinement; elegance: the polish of a professional singer.</li></ul><p><strong>verb phrase</strong></p><ul><li>to improve; refine: She took lessons to polish up her speech.</li><li>Informal: to finish or dispose of quickly: They polished off a gallon of ice cream between them.</li><li>to subdue or get rid of someone: The fighter polished off his opponent in the first round.</li></ul><p><strong>verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used without object) to become smooth and glossy through polishing: a flooring that polishes easily.</li><li>Archaic: to become refined or elegant.</li></ul>