varnish
noun
var·nish
| \ ˈvär-nish
\
\
Definition of varnish
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: 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
2
: outside show : gloss entry 1
3
chiefly British
: a liquid nail polish
varnish
verb
varnished;
varnishing;
varnishes
Definition of varnish (Entry 2 of 2)
1
: to apply varnish to
2
: to cover or conceal (something, such as something unpleasant) with something that gives an attractive appearance : gloss entry 2
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Other Words from varnish
Noun
varnishy
\ ˈvär-ni-shē
\
adjective
\
adjective
Verb
varnisher
\ ˈvär-ni-shər
\
noun
\
noun
Examples of varnish in a Sentence
Noun
She accidentally scratched the varnish.Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
Bergmann said the microplastics detected in the study included varnish that may have been used to coat cars and ships, rubber found in tires and materials that could have originated in textiles or packaging. — Frank Jordans, Anchorage Daily News, "The atmosphere is carrying microplastics into the Arctic, scientists say," 15 Aug. 2019 This contained inorganic pigments in an organic binding medium overlaid by a shellac varnish. — The Economist, "Researchers find a way to use minute samples to detect forged paintings," 8 June 2019 His earnest varnish is polished to its highest shine. — James Freeman, WSJ, "Too Soon for Democrats To Dump Elizabeth Warren?," 7 Dec. 2018 Methanol is widely available and present in household items such as varnishes and antifreeze, according to the World Health Organization. — Hannah Knowles, Washington Post, "Tainted alcohol has led to 19 deaths in Costa Rica, authorities say," 20 July 2019 Softer brushes, like this one, are better for stains and clear finishes, like varnish, spar varnish, shellac, and brushing lacquers. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "The 4 Biggest Painting Mistakes (And How to Avoid Them)," 16 Jan. 2019 First, the researchers needed to remove the varnish to avoid mixed ages from two different sources. — The Economist, "Researchers find a way to use minute samples to detect forged paintings," 8 June 2019 Nail pro Tom Bachik prepped Jennifer Lopez's epic talons with a coat of white varnish—snapping a pic with Lopez's latest left hand addition naturally in tow. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "How Gisele, Jennifer Lopez, and More Got Ready For the Met Gala on Instagram," 7 May 2019 From Christian Louboutin’s minty green varnish to JINsoon’s calamine pink lacquer, here are eight polishes to wear now, weather be damned. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "8 Pastel Nail Polishes to Brighten Any Stormy Spring Day," 20 Apr. 2019Recent Examples on the Web: Verb
It has been stained and varnished and looks wonderful. — Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, "Two enemies of outdoor wooden sculptures: Rain and sun," 24 June 2019 However, when lacquered or varnished, the material is just fine for general purposes. — Taysha Murtaugh, Country Living, "Butcher-Block Countertops: Pros, Cons, and Everything Else You Should Know," 15 Jan. 2019 Smith says his father would spend hours cutting out, sanding and varnishing wooden shields to mount his antlers. — Allen G. Breed, chicagotribune.com, "The 'King of the Commode' seeks an heir to his thrones," 23 May 2018 His Eckardt, while brutally funny, is an avatar for America in the age of alternate facts: a pathetic man-child, desperate for validation, who varnishes his inadequacies with cockiness and bravado. — Dante A. Ciampaglia, Newsweek, "Who Is Shawn Eckardt? Paul Walter Hauser Steals Every Scene as Harding’s Bodyguard in ‘I, Tonya’," 17 Jan. 2018 Using medium-grade sandpaper, sand down the front and edges of wooden, painted or varnished doors or drawer fronts with power sander or sanding block. — House Beautiful, "How to Paint Kitchen Cabinets," 14 Nov. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'varnish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for varnish
varnish
noun
English Language Learners Definition of varnish
(Entry 1 of 2)
: 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
varnish
verbEnglish Language Learners Definition of varnish (Entry 2 of 2)
: to cover (something) with varnish
See the full definition for varnish in the English Language Learners Dictionary
varnish
noun
var·nish
| \ ˈvär-nish
\
\
Kids Definition of varnish
(Entry 1 of 2)
: a liquid that is spread on a surface and dries into a hard coating
varnish
verb
varnished;
varnishing
Kids Definition of varnish (Entry 2 of 2)
: to cover with or as if with a liquid that dries into a hard coating