1. To make the surface of something smooth and lustrous by rubbing it: Timothy and Gregory polished their shoes before going to the dance.

Mike and his sister were polishing the silverware in preparation for the family banquet for the following day.

2. To refine, to improve, or to add the finishing touches to something by making it better: Joe's son needs to polish up his German before he takes his exam in school in the ensuing week.

The musical group polished up some new songs in preparation for the performance that was coming soon.

3. Etymology: from Old French poliss- and polir-, "to polish, to decorate"; from Latin polio, "to make smooth, to decorate, to embellish"; figuratively, "to refine, to improve".

1. Descriptive of anything that is made to be sleek and gleaming: The actress had brightly polished fingernails which attracted a lot of attention.

The banquet tables were carefully set up with polished drinking glasses and silverware.

2. Referring to a person who is skillful or impressive: The author, Mrs. Jackson, was congratulated for having written a more polished short story than those she had published previously.