¹varnish

noun var·nish \ˈvär-nish\

: a liquid that is spread on a surface and that dries to form a hard, shiny coating

: the hard, shiny coating that is produced by varnish

Full Definition of VARNISH

a : a liquid preparation that when applied to a surface dries to form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating

b : the covering or glaze given by the application of varnish

c (1) : something that suggests varnish by its gloss (2) : a coating (as of deposits in an internal combustion engine) comparable to varnish

: outside show : ¹gloss

chiefly British : a liquid nail polish

— var·nishy \-ni-shē\ adjective

See varnish defined for English-language learners

See varnish defined for kids

Origin of VARNISH

Middle English vernisch, from Anglo-French vernis, from Old Italian or Medieval Latin; Old Italian vernice, from Medieval Latin veronic-, veronix sandarac

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with VARNISH

garnish, tarnish

²varnish

verb

: to cover (something) with varnish

Full Definition of VARNISH

transitive verb

: to apply varnish to

: to cover or conceal (as something unpleasant) with something that gives an attractive appearance : ²gloss

: adorn, embellish

— var·nish·er \ˈvär-ni-shər\ noun

See varnish defined for English-language learners

First Known Use of VARNISH

14th century

VARNISH Defined for Kids

¹varnish

noun var·nish \ˈvär-nish\

Definition of VARNISH for Kids

: a liquid that is spread on a surface and dries into a hard coating

²varnish

verb

var·nishedvar·nish·ing

Definition of VARNISH for Kids

: to cover with or as if with a liquid that dries into a hard coating

Medical Dictionary

varnish

noun var·nish \ˈvär-nish\

Medical Definition of VARNISH

: any of various liquid preparations that when spread and allowed to dry on a surface form a hard lustrous typically transparent coating and that include some used in dentistry to line deep cavities in order to protect the pulp of a tooth

—varnish transitive verb