nail polish

noun

1. a polish of quick-drying lacquer, either clear or colored, used to paint the fingernails or toenails.

nail polish

noun

1. a quick-drying lacquer applied to colour the nails or make them shiny or esp both

Word History and Origins

Origin of nail polish¹

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

The fumes—sometimes described as smelling of “wet dog,” “Cheetos” or “nail polish”—have led to emergency landings, sickened passengers and affected pilots’ vision and reaction times midflight, according to official reports.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Although officially banned for human consumption by the FDA, poppers have been sold openly in thumb-sized bottles marketed — with a wink and a nod — as nail polish remover, liquid incense or VHS tape cleaner.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

This is a sentiment echoed by Lucas Lane, 15, who runs an online business selling nail polish to boys.

Read more on BBC

“It smelled like a very strong nail polish or paint smell,” one staffer told The Times while coughing repeatedly.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“Rite Aid is more for when you realize last minute you need nail polish.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times