Polish is defined as to rub until smooth and shiny, use a substance or wax on a surface to make it glossy, or to improve the condition. 1  An example of polish is buffing fingernails until smooth. 2  An example of polish is using wax on a car's paint to make it shiny.3  An example of polish is fine tuning your Photoshop skills. to smooth and brighten, as by rubbing. 2  to coat with polish, wax, etc. and make bright or glossy. 3  to improve or refine (someone or someone's manners, appearance, etc.) as by removing crudeness or vulgarity. 4  to complete or embellish (a piece of writing, etc.); finish; perfect.