verb
    
    -ishes; -ished; -ishing
    
    [+ obj] to make (something) smooth and shiny by rubbing it
    
    
    
    
    
    to improve (something) :to make (something) better than it was before
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    to put nail polish on (a fingernail or toenail)
    
    
    
    polish off
    
    [phrasal verb]
    
    polish (something) off or polish off (something) informal :to finish (something) completely
    
    
    
    
    
    polish (someone or something) off or polish off (someone or something) :to defeat (someone or something) in a contest, game, etc.
    
    
    
    noun
    
    plural -ishes
    
    a substance that is rubbed on a surface to make it smooth and shiny [noncount]
    
    
    
    
    
    [singular] :a smooth and shiny surface
    
    
    
    
    
    [noncount] good quality or style that comes from practice or effort
    
    
    
    
    
    b somewhat old-fashioned :good manners
    
    
    
    [singular] :the act of polishing something