varnish

1 of 2

noun

var·​nish ˈvär-nish How to pronounce varnish (audio)
Synonyms of varnishnext
1
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
2
: outside show : gloss entry 1
3
chiefly British : a liquid nail polish
varnishy
ˈvär-ni-shē How to pronounce varnish (audio)
adjective

varnish

2 of 2

verb

varnished; varnishing; varnishes

transitive verb

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
3
: adorn, embellish
varnisher
ˈvär-ni-shər How to pronounce varnish (audio)
noun

Examples of varnish in a Sentence

Noun She accidentally scratched the varnish.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
Apply fluoride gels or varnishes to strengthen enamel and prevent further enamel loss. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024 Its pieces, including the beer cans, are made of acrylic paint on aluminum and varnish, and could be found in unexpected corners at LAM. —Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
Verb
The common sources of lead exposure, according to the Washington Ozaukee Public Health Department, include paint and varnish in homes built before 1978, some soil and tap water exposure, clay pots, spices, toys, makeup, jewelry and ammunition. —Cathy Kozlowicz, Journal Sentinel, 11 June 2024 The floors squeak and haven’t been varnished in decades. —Alexander J. Motyl, Foreign Affairs, 4 Aug. 2016 See all Example Sentences for varnish 

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Middle English vernyz, vernich, vernisch "dissolved resin used as a decorative or protective coating," borrowed from Anglo-French vernis (continental Old French verniz), borrowed from Medieval Latin veronix, vernix "resin," earlier "amber," restructured from Middle Greek berōnikón, beroníkē "yellow- or amber-colored glass, amber," probably going back to Greek bereníkion "natron, reddish- or yellowish-hued natron (used in making glass)," of uncertain origin

Note: The Greek word for "natron" has no evident connection with the city name Bereníkē in ancient Cyrenaica nor any of the other place-names based on the female given name Bereníkē borne by various Macedonian queens and princesses of the Ptolemaic dynasty in Egypt.

Verb

Middle English vernysshen, borrowed from Middle French vernicier and Medieval Latin vernizāre, both derivative of Old French verniz varnish entry 1

First Known Use

Noun

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of varnish was in the 14th century

Phrases Containing varnish

Dictionary Entries Near varnish

varnashrama

varnish

varnished willow

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Varnish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/varnish. Accessed 30 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

Kids Definition

varnish

1 of 2 noun
var·​nish ˈvär-nish How to pronounce varnish (audio)
1
a
: a liquid that when spread and allowed to dry on a surface forms a hard shiny typically transparent coating
b
: the covering or shiny coating given by varnish
2
: false outward appearance

varnish

2 of 2 verb
: to cover with or as if with varnish

Medical Definition

varnish

noun
var·​nish ˈvär-nish How to pronounce varnish (audio)
: 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
sweet smart pug puppy dog sitting in front of blackboard with chalk question marks
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Vol. 3 Do you have a (flare/flair) for choosing the righ...