polished
Americanadjective
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made smooth and glossy.
a figurine of polished mahogany.
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naturally smooth and glossy.
polished pebbles on the beach.
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refined, cultured, or elegant.
a polished manner.
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flawless; skillful; excellent.
a polished conversationalist.
adjective
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accomplished
a polished actor
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impeccably or professionally done
a polished performance
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(of rice) having had the outer husk removed by milling
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of polished
First recorded in 1325–75, polished is from the Middle English word polist. See polish, -ed 2
Explanation
Something that's polished has been perfected — either by being rubbed until it's shiny or practiced until it appears skilled and elegant. A polished diamond is bright, with a smooth, shining surface that reflects light. For an object to be polished, someone has to polish it, rubbing and buffing until it shines. You can also have a figuratively polished version of your essay that's been spruced up through careful editing. If a person is polished, they're graceful or accomplished: "Her polished style of speaking was almost intimidating!"
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But that of course was in Texas, a long way from the polished glitz of Hollywood, and the same could be said of Gyllenhaal — at least metaphorically.
From Salon • May 27, 2026
“A bit less polished creates more trust,” Quichiz said.
From Los Angeles Times • May 13, 2026
It isn’t only in postcolonial countries that many people prefer being governed by people who share their values, culture and economic interests, even if their style of governance is less polished or professional.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 11, 2026
Meanwhile, Montaclair had further polished his CV by claiming a doctorate in French literature and grammar issued by the University of Philology and Education situated in Lewes in the US state of Delaware.
From BBC • May 6, 2026
In the months since we’d arrived, Ba had taken inventory, cleaned and polished every item, and done everything he could think of to turn the store around.
From "The Red Car to Hollywood" by Jennie Liu
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
