Polish/ˈpɑːlɪʃ/ Definition 1 of 4Pro Tip 1/3Action Required The verb 'polish' implies you actively rub something to enhance its appearance. We polish the trophy before each game. Pro Tip 2/3Time and Effort Polishing usually involves time and careful effort to make something look better. He spends Sundays polishing his vintage car. Pro Tip 3/3Figurative Use Can be used metaphorically to mean improving skills or a piece of work. She polished her speech for weeks.