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.
From Ossoff, he learned how to braid in being an intellectual and polished orator, how debate-club tactics can work as long as you eschew the tie and show an inch of clavicle.
From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2026
The language on the Bulletin’s About Us page displays markers of artificial intelligence such as generic mission statements, polished but repetitive phrasing and vague claims about journalistic standards with no details about the publication’s staff.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 25, 2026
The casting introduces its own familiar comic premise: the polished gay man enlisted to introduce his less domestically accomplished counterparts to the finer points of everyday living.
From Salon ● Oct. 25, 2026
Unlike a traditional videographer who might take a few months to produce a polished wedding film, Burton edits short-form, vertical videos called highlight reels that can be shared the next day.
From BBC ● Oct. 18, 2026
Jay filled his bag with a piece of dried snakeskin he found, a rock polished smooth, and a handful of sunflower seeds.
From "Root Magic" by Eden Royce
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
